{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/29.1-702.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/29.1-702.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/29.1-702.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/29.1-702.html"}],"law_id":82074,"edition_id":1,"section_id":82074,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-702","catch_line":"Registration requirements; display of numbers; cancellation of certificate; exemption","history":"1960, c. 500, \u00a7 62-174.5; 1962, c. 626; 1964, c. 654; 1968, c. 659, \u00a7 62.1-170; 1970, c. 240; 1972, c. 412; 1980, c. 256; 1983, c. 126; 1986, c. 125; 1987, c. 488; 1990, c. 321; 1991, c. 82; 1992, c. 250; 2012, c. 233; 2015, cc. 502, 503.","full_text":"A\n\n1. The owner of each motorboat requiring numbering by the Commonwealth shall file an application for a number with the Department on forms approved by it. The owner of the motorboat or the owner’s agent shall sign the application and pay the following boat registration fee:\n\t\t\ta. For a motorboat under 16 feet, $18;\n\t\t\tb. For a motorboat 16 feet to less than 20 feet, $22;\n\t\t\tc. For a motorboat 20 feet to less than 40 feet, $28;\n\t\t\td. For a motorboat 40 feet and over, $36.2\n\nOwners, other than manufacturers or dealers, of more than 10 motorboats numbered by the Commonwealth, shall pay $18 each for the first 10 such boats and $12 for each additional boat.3\n\nUpon receipt of the application in approved form, the Department shall have the application entered upon the records of its office and issue to the applicant a certificate of number stating the identification number awarded to the motorboat and the name, address and a social security number or numbers, or federal tax identification number of the owner or owners. Any certificate issued in accordance with this chapter shall expire three years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. Upon proper application and payment of fee, and in the discretion of the Director, the certificate may be renewed.B\n\nThe owner shall paint on or attach to each side of the bow of the motorboat the identification number in the manner prescribed by rules and regulations of the Board. The number shall be maintained in legible condition. The certificate of number shall be pocket-size and shall be available for inspection on the motorboat for which issued whenever such motorboat is in operation. However, the certificate of number for any vessel less than 26 feet in length, and leased or rented to another for the lessee’s noncommercial use for less than 24 hours, may be retained on shore by the vessel’s owner or his representative at the place at which the vessel departs and returns to the possession of the owner or his representative, provided the vessel is appropriately identified as to its owner while in use under such lease or rental.C\n\nNo number other than the number awarded to a motorboat or granted reciprocity pursuant to this chapter shall be displayed on either side of the bow of the motorboat.D\n\nThe Department is authorized to cancel and recall any certificate of number issued by the Department when it appears proper payment has not been made for the certificate of number or when the certificate has been improperly or erroneously issued.E\n\nAny motorboat purchased and used by a nonprofit volunteer emergency medical services agency or volunteer fire department shall be exempt from the registration fees imposed by subsection A.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":294135,"text":"1. The owner of each motorboat requiring numbering by the Commonwealth shall file an application for a number with the Department on forms approved by it. The owner of the motorboat or the owner’s agent shall sign the application and pay the following boat registration fee:\n\t\t\ta. For a motorboat under 16 feet, $18;\n\t\t\tb. For a motorboat 16 feet to less than 20 feet, $22;\n\t\t\tc. For a motorboat 20 feet to less than 40 feet, $28;\n\t\t\td. For a motorboat 40 feet and over, $36.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A2"},"1":{"id":294136,"text":"Owners, other than manufacturers or dealers, of more than 10 motorboats numbered by the Commonwealth, shall pay $18 each for the first 10 such boats and $12 for each additional boat.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A3"},"2":{"id":294137,"text":"Upon receipt of the application in approved form, the Department shall have the application entered upon the records of its office and issue to the applicant a certificate of number stating the identification number awarded to the motorboat and the name, address and a social security number or numbers, or federal tax identification number of the owner or owners. Any certificate issued in accordance with this chapter shall expire three years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. Upon proper application and payment of fee, and in the discretion of the Director, the certificate may be renewed.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"B"},"3":{"id":294138,"text":"The owner shall paint on or attach to each side of the bow of the motorboat the identification number in the manner prescribed by rules and regulations of the Board. The number shall be maintained in legible condition. The certificate of number shall be pocket-size and shall be available for inspection on the motorboat for which issued whenever such motorboat is in operation. However, the certificate of number for any vessel less than 26 feet in length, and leased or rented to another for the lessee’s noncommercial use for less than 24 hours, may be retained on shore by the vessel’s owner or his representative at the place at which the vessel departs and returns to the possession of the owner or his representative, provided the vessel is appropriately identified as to its owner while in use under such lease or rental.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"C"},"4":{"id":294139,"text":"No number other than the number awarded to a motorboat or granted reciprocity pursuant to this chapter shall be displayed on either side of the bow of the motorboat.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"5":{"id":294140,"text":"The Department is authorized to cancel and recall any certificate of number issued by the Department when it appears proper payment has not been made for the certificate of number or when the certificate has been improperly or erroneously issued.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"6":{"id":294141,"text":"Any motorboat purchased and used by a nonprofit volunteer emergency medical services agency or volunteer fire department shall be exempt from the registration fees imposed by subsection A.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15481,"edition_id":1,"name":"Boat Registration and Identification","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13227,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:55:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:55:23","permalink":{"id":193455,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15481,"identifier":"1","token":"29.1\/7\/1","url":"\/29.1\/7\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13227,"edition_id":1,"name":"Boating Laws","identifier":"7","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12934,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","permalink":{"id":193453,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13227,"identifier":"7","token":"29.1\/7","url":"\/29.1\/7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12934,"edition_id":1,"name":"Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating","identifier":"29.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","permalink":{"id":192277,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12934,"identifier":"29.1","token":"29.1","url":"\/29.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":60710,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-700","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/29.1-700\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-700","metadata":false},{"id":58984,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-701","catch_line":"Department to administer chapter; Motorboat Committee; funds for administration; records; rules and regulations","url":"\/29.1-701\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-701","metadata":false},{"id":63668,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-701.1","catch_line":"Authority of Board to set fees","url":"\/29.1-701.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-701.1","metadata":false},{"id":82074,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-702","catch_line":"Registration requirements; display of numbers; cancellation of certificate; exemption","url":"\/29.1-702\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-702","metadata":false},{"id":68716,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-702.1","catch_line":"Making false affidavit or swearing falsely, perjury; penalty","url":"\/29.1-702.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-702.1","metadata":false},{"id":62216,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-703","catch_line":"Identification numbers required; decals","url":"\/29.1-703\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-703","metadata":false},{"id":60690,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-703.1","catch_line":"Temporary registration certificate; fee; application","url":"\/29.1-703.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-703.1","metadata":false},{"id":77420,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-703.2","catch_line":"Designation of agents; compensation to agents; deposit of temporary registration certificate moneys","url":"\/29.1-703.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-703.2","metadata":false},{"id":59559,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-704","catch_line":"Recording previously awarded numbers","url":"\/29.1-704\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-704","metadata":false},{"id":77500,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-705","catch_line":"Change of ownership of motorboat; lost certificates","url":"\/29.1-705\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-705","metadata":false},{"id":74187,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-706","catch_line":"Agents awarding numbers","url":"\/29.1-706\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-706","metadata":false},{"id":66251,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-707","catch_line":"Records","url":"\/29.1-707\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-707","metadata":false},{"id":73391,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-708","catch_line":"Transfer, destruction or abandonment of motorboat","url":"\/29.1-708\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-708","metadata":false},{"id":81488,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-709","catch_line":"Change of address of certificate holder","url":"\/29.1-709\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-709","metadata":false},{"id":65019,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-710","catch_line":"Exemption from numbering requirements","url":"\/29.1-710\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-710","metadata":false},{"id":64507,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-711","catch_line":"Dealers and manufacturers of motorboats","url":"\/29.1-711\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-711","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":63668,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-701.1","catch_line":"Authority of Board to set fees","url":"\/29.1-701.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-701.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":68716,"structure_id":15481,"section_number":"29.1-702.1","catch_line":"Making false affidavit or swearing falsely, perjury; penalty","url":"\/29.1-702.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-702.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/29.1-702\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1960. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 500 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1960 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 14 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1962, chapter 626; in 1964, chapter 654; in 1968, chapter 659; in 1970, chapter 240; in 1972, chapter 412; in 1980, chapter 256; in 1983, chapter 126; in 1986, chapter 125; in 1987, chapter 488; in 1990, chapter 321; in 1991, chapter 82; in 1992, chapter 250; in 2012, chapter 233<\/a>; in 2015, chapters 502<\/a> and 503<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":59559,"section_number":"29.1-704","catch_line":"Recording previously awarded numbers","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-704\/"},{"id":77500,"section_number":"29.1-705","catch_line":"Change of ownership of motorboat; lost certificates","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-705\/"},{"id":73391,"section_number":"29.1-708","catch_line":"Transfer, destruction or abandonment of motorboat","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-708\/"},{"id":68953,"section_number":"29.1-733.7","catch_line":"Application for certificate of title","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.7\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":193469,"object_type":"law","relational_id":82074,"identifier":"29.1-702","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-702","url":"\/29.1-702\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/29.1-702\/","token":"29.1\/7\/1\/29.1-702","dublin_core":{"Title":"Registration requirements; display of numbers; cancellation of certificate; exemption","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 29.1-702","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> 1. The owner<\/span> of each motorboat<\/span> requiring numbering by the Commonwealth shall file an application for a number with the Department<\/span> on forms approved by it. The owner<\/span> of the motorboat<\/span> or the owner<\/span>’s agent shall sign the application and pay the following boat registration fee:\n\t\t\ta. For a motorboat<\/span> under 16 feet, $18;\n\t\t\tb. For a motorboat<\/span> 16 feet to less than 20 feet, $22;\n\t\t\tc. For a motorboat<\/span> 20 feet to less than 40 feet, $28;\n\t\t\td. For a motorboat<\/span> 40 feet and over, $36. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Owners<\/span>, other than manufacturers or dealers, of more than 10 motorboats<\/span> numbered by the Commonwealth, shall pay $18 each for the first 10 such boats and $12 for each additional boat. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Upon receipt of the application in approved form, the Department<\/span> shall have the application entered upon the records of its office and issue<\/span> to the applicant a certificate of number stating the identification number awarded to the motorboat<\/span> and the name, address and a social security number or numbers, or federal tax identification number of the owner<\/span> or owners<\/span>. Any certificate issued in accordance with this chapter shall expire three years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. Upon proper application and payment of fee, and in the discretion of the Director<\/span>, the certificate may be renewed. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The owner<\/span> shall paint on or attach to each side of the bow of the motorboat<\/span> the identification number in the manner prescribed by rules and regulations<\/span> of the Board<\/span>. The number shall be maintained in legible condition. The certificate of number shall be pocket-size and shall be available for inspection on the motorboat<\/span> for which issued whenever such motorboat<\/span> is in operation. However, the certificate of number for any vessel<\/span> less than 26 feet in length, and leased or rented to another for the lessee’s noncommercial use for less than 24 hours, may be retained on shore by the vessel<\/span>’s owner<\/span> or his representative at the place at which the vessel<\/span> departs and returns to the possession<\/span> of the owner<\/span> or his representative, provided the vessel<\/span> is appropriately identified as to its owner<\/span> while in use under such lease or rental. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> No number other than the number awarded to a motorboat<\/span> or granted reciprocity pursuant to this chapter shall be displayed on either side of the bow of the motorboat<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Department<\/span> is authorized to cancel and recall any certificate of number issued by the Department<\/span> when it appears proper payment has not been made for the certificate of number or when the certificate has been improperly or erroneously issued. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Any motorboat<\/span> purchased and used by a nonprofit volunteer emergency medical services agency or volunteer fire department<\/span> shall be exempt from the registration fees imposed by subsection A. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nREGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS; DISPLAY OF NUMBERS; CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATE;\nEXEMPTION (\u00a7 29.1-702)\n\nA. 1. The owner of each motorboat requiring numbering by the Commonwealth shall\nfile an application for a number with the Department on forms approved by it.\nThe owner of the motorboat or the owner’s agent shall sign the application\nand pay the following boat registration fee:\n\t\t\ta. For a motorboat under 16 feet, $18;\n\t\t\tb. For a motorboat 16 feet to less than 20 feet, $22;\n\t\t\tc. For a motorboat 20 feet to less than 40 feet, $28;\n\t\t\td. For a motorboat 40 feet and over, $36.\n\n 2. Owners, other than manufacturers or dealers, of more than 10 motorboats\n numbered by the Commonwealth, shall pay $18 each for the first 10 such boats\n and $12 for each additional boat.\n\n 3. Upon receipt of the application in approved form, the Department shall have\n the application entered upon the records of its office and issue to the\n applicant a certificate of number stating the identification number awarded to\n the motorboat and the name, address and a social security number or numbers,\n or federal tax identification number of the owner or owners. Any certificate\n issued in accordance with this chapter shall expire three years from the last\n day of the month in which it was issued. Upon proper application and payment\n of fee, and in the discretion of the Director, the certificate may be renewed.\n\nB. The owner shall paint on or attach to each side of the bow of the motorboat\nthe identification number in the manner prescribed by rules and regulations of\nthe Board. The number shall be maintained in legible condition. The certificate\nof number shall be pocket-size and shall be available for inspection on the\nmotorboat for which issued whenever such motorboat is in operation. However, the\ncertificate of number for any vessel less than 26 feet in length, and leased or\nrented to another for the lessee’s noncommercial use for less than 24\nhours, may be retained on shore by the vessel’s owner or his\nrepresentative at the place at which the vessel departs and returns to the\npossession of the owner or his representative, provided the vessel is\nappropriately identified as to its owner while in use under such lease or\nrental.\n\nC. No number other than the number awarded to a motorboat or granted reciprocity\npursuant to this chapter shall be displayed on either side of the bow of the\nmotorboat.\n\nD. The Department is authorized to cancel and recall any certificate of number\nissued by the Department when it appears proper payment has not been made for\nthe certificate of number or when the certificate has been improperly or\nerroneously issued.\n\nE. Any motorboat purchased and used by a nonprofit volunteer emergency medical\nservices agency or volunteer fire department shall be exempt from the\nregistration fees imposed by subsection A.\n\nHISTORY: 1960, c. 500, \u00a7 62-174.5; 1962, c. 626; 1964, c. 654; 1968, c. 659, \u00a7\n62.1-170; 1970, c. 240; 1972, c. 412; 1980, c. 256; 1983, c. 126; 1986, c. 125;\n1987, c. 488; 1990, c. 321; 1991, c. 82; 1992, c. 250; 2012, c. 233; 2015, cc.\n502, 503.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}