Which Boats Require Registration?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Virginia, you must have a Certificate of Number (registration) and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on the public waters of Virginia. The only exceptions are:

• Non-motorized vessels
• Vessels properly registered in another state and on Virginia waters for 90 or fewer consecutive days
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
• Vessels operating under valid temporary registration