{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/29.1-733.25.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/29.1-733.25.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/29.1-733.25.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/29.1-733.25.html"}],"law_id":55510,"edition_id":1,"section_id":55510,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.25","catch_line":"Acquiring title to an abandoned watercraft","history":"2013, c. 787; 2024, c. 314.","full_text":"A\n\nAny watercraft abandoned for a period exceeding 60 days is subject to the provisions of this section.B\n\nA landowner, his lessee, or his agent may acquire title to any watercraft abandoned on his land or the water immediately adjacent to his land. Acquisition of title, under the provisions of this section, divests any other person of any interest in the watercraft.C\n\nIf a watercraft has a registration number assigned by the Commonwealth or any other state, or if there are other means of identifying the owner, the person desiring to acquire title shall make a good faith effort to secure the last-known address of all owners and lien holders. He shall notify each owner and lien holder by registered letter that if ownership is not claimed and the watercraft not removed within 30 days, he will apply for title to the watercraft in his name.D\n\nThe person desiring to acquire title also shall place a notice, to appear for three consecutive issues, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or city where the watercraft is located. The notice shall describe the watercraft, its location, and any identifying number or numbers. The notice shall state that if the watercraft is not claimed and removed within 30 days after the first day the notice was published, the person who has placed the notice shall apply to the Department for title to the watercraft.E\n\nAt the end of the 30-day period, the person seeking to acquire the watercraft shall apply to the Department for title. The application shall be accompanied by the following: (i) an affidavit stating that to the best of the applicant’s knowledge the watercraft has been abandoned for a period of at least 60 days, (ii) proof that the registered letter required by the Department was mailed at least 30 days prior to application or a detailed explanation of the steps taken to identify the owner and lien holder, and (iii) proof that a notice was printed in a newspaper as required in subsection D.F\n\nUpon receipt by the Department of all items required by subsection E, and after all fees and taxes due have been paid, the Department shall then issue title to the watercraft to the applicant.G\n\nAll costs incurred in obtaining title to a watercraft under this section shall be borne by the applicant.H\n\nAny locality or state agency that has met the requirements of subsections A through D may apply to the Department for an authorization to destroy and dispose of the watercraft. The application shall be accompanied by the following: (i) an affidavit stating that to the best of the applicant’s knowledge the watercraft has been abandoned for a period of at least 60 days, (ii) proof that the registered letter required by the Department was mailed at least 30 days prior to application or a detailed explanation of the steps taken to identify the owner and lien holder, (iii) proof that a notice was printed in a newspaper as required in subsection D, and (iv) a certification by the applicant that the watercraft will be destroyed and disposed of following authorization. Upon receipt of such complete application items required in this subsection, the Department shall issue an authorization to destroy and dispose of the watercraft.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":203462,"text":"Any watercraft abandoned for a period exceeding 60 days is subject to the provisions of this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":203463,"text":"A landowner, his lessee, or his agent may acquire title to any watercraft abandoned on his land or the water immediately adjacent to his land. Acquisition of title, under the provisions of this section, divests any other person of any interest in the watercraft.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":203464,"text":"If a watercraft has a registration number assigned by the Commonwealth or any other state, or if there are other means of identifying the owner, the person desiring to acquire title shall make a good faith effort to secure the last-known address of all owners and lien holders. He shall notify each owner and lien holder by registered letter that if ownership is not claimed and the watercraft not removed within 30 days, he will apply for title to the watercraft in his name.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":203465,"text":"The person desiring to acquire title also shall place a notice, to appear for three consecutive issues, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or city where the watercraft is located. The notice shall describe the watercraft, its location, and any identifying number or numbers. The notice shall state that if the watercraft is not claimed and removed within 30 days after the first day the notice was published, the person who has placed the notice shall apply to the Department for title to the watercraft.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":203466,"text":"At the end of the 30-day period, the person seeking to acquire the watercraft shall apply to the Department for title. The application shall be accompanied by the following: (i) an affidavit stating that to the best of the applicant’s knowledge the watercraft has been abandoned for a period of at least 60 days, (ii) proof that the registered letter required by the Department was mailed at least 30 days prior to application or a detailed explanation of the steps taken to identify the owner and lien holder, and (iii) proof that a notice was printed in a newspaper as required in subsection D.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":203467,"text":"Upon receipt by the Department of all items required by subsection E, and after all fees and taxes due have been paid, the Department shall then issue title to the watercraft to the applicant.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":203468,"text":"All costs incurred in obtaining title to a watercraft under this section shall be borne by the applicant.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"7":{"id":203469,"text":"Any locality or state agency that has met the requirements of subsections A through D may apply to the Department for an authorization to destroy and dispose of the watercraft. The application shall be accompanied by the following: (i) an affidavit stating that to the best of the applicant’s knowledge the watercraft has been abandoned for a period of at least 60 days, (ii) proof that the registered letter required by the Department was mailed at least 30 days prior to application or a detailed explanation of the steps taken to identify the owner and lien holder, (iii) proof that a notice was printed in a newspaper as required in subsection D, and (iv) a certification by the applicant that the watercraft will be destroyed and disposed of following authorization. Upon receipt of such complete application items required in this subsection, the Department shall issue an authorization to destroy and dispose of the watercraft.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13228,"edition_id":1,"name":"Virginia Uniform Certificate of Title for Watercraft Act","identifier":"2.1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13227,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","permalink":{"id":193527,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13228,"identifier":"2.1","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1","url":"\/29.1\/7\/2.1\/","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":59450,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.10","catch_line":"Title brand","url":"\/29.1-733.10\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.10","metadata":false},{"id":66488,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.11","catch_line":"Maintenance of and access to files","url":"\/29.1-733.11\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.11","metadata":false},{"id":81845,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.12","catch_line":"Action required on creation of certificate of title","url":"\/29.1-733.12\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.12","metadata":false},{"id":84270,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.13","catch_line":"Effect of certificate of title","url":"\/29.1-733.13\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.13","metadata":false},{"id":85781,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.14","catch_line":"Effect of possession of certificate of title; judicial process; levy; penalty","url":"\/29.1-733.14\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.14","metadata":false},{"id":72201,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.15","catch_line":"Perfection of security interest","url":"\/29.1-733.15\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.15","metadata":false},{"id":82562,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.16","catch_line":"Termination statement; delivery of certificate of title; penalty","url":"\/29.1-733.16\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.16","metadata":false},{"id":72284,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.17","catch_line":"Transfer of ownership","url":"\/29.1-733.17\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.17","metadata":false},{"id":64392,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.18","catch_line":"Effect of missing or incorrect information","url":"\/29.1-733.18\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.18","metadata":false},{"id":64029,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.19","catch_line":"Transfer of ownership by secured party's transfer statement","url":"\/29.1-733.19\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.19","metadata":false},{"id":76938,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.2","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/29.1-733.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.2","metadata":false},{"id":54234,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.20","catch_line":"Transfer by operation of law","url":"\/29.1-733.20\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.20","metadata":false},{"id":80512,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.21","catch_line":"Application for transfer of ownership or termination of security interest without certificate of title","url":"\/29.1-733.21\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.21","metadata":false},{"id":59034,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.22","catch_line":"Replacement certificate of title","url":"\/29.1-733.22\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.22","metadata":false},{"id":82240,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.23","catch_line":"Rights of purchaser other than secured party","url":"\/29.1-733.23\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.23","metadata":false},{"id":70415,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.24","catch_line":"Rights of secured party","url":"\/29.1-733.24\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.24","metadata":false},{"id":55510,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.25","catch_line":"Acquiring title to an abandoned watercraft","url":"\/29.1-733.25\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.25","metadata":false},{"id":58657,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.26","catch_line":"Duties and operation of the Department","url":"\/29.1-733.26\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.26","metadata":false},{"id":74341,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.27","catch_line":"Uniformity of application and construction","url":"\/29.1-733.27\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.27","metadata":false},{"id":80225,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.28","catch_line":"Relationship to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act","url":"\/29.1-733.28\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.28","metadata":false},{"id":66326,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.29","catch_line":"Savings clause","url":"\/29.1-733.29\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.29","metadata":false},{"id":83150,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.3","catch_line":"Applicability","url":"\/29.1-733.3\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.3","metadata":false},{"id":67036,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.4","catch_line":"Supplemental principles of law and equity","url":"\/29.1-733.4\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.4","metadata":false},{"id":73968,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.5","catch_line":"Law governing watercraft covered by certificate of title","url":"\/29.1-733.5\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.5","metadata":false},{"id":87192,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.6","catch_line":"Certificate of title required","url":"\/29.1-733.6\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.6","metadata":false},{"id":68953,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.7","catch_line":"Application for certificate of title","url":"\/29.1-733.7\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.7","metadata":false},{"id":57724,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.8","catch_line":"Creation and cancellation of certificate of title","url":"\/29.1-733.8\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.8","metadata":false},{"id":83895,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.9","catch_line":"Content of certificate of title","url":"\/29.1-733.9\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.9","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":70415,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.24","catch_line":"Rights of secured party","url":"\/29.1-733.24\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.24","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":58657,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.26","catch_line":"Duties and operation of the Department","url":"\/29.1-733.26\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.26","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/29.1-733.25\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2013. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 787<\/a> 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. It has been modified 1 time. 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. That modification is as follows: in 2024, chapter 314<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":193593,"object_type":"law","relational_id":55510,"identifier":"29.1-733.25","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.25","url":"\/29.1-733.25\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/29.1-733.25\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.25","dublin_core":{"Title":"Acquiring title to an abandoned watercraft","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 29.1-733.25","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Any watercraft<\/span> abandoned for a period exceeding 60 days is subject to the provisions of this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> A landowner, his lessee, or his agent may acquire title to any watercraft<\/span> abandoned on his land or the water immediately adjacent to his land. Acquisition of title, under the provisions of this section, divests any other person<\/span> of any interest in the watercraft<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> If a watercraft<\/span> has a registration number<\/span> assigned by the Commonwealth or any other state<\/span>, or if there are other means of identifying the owner<\/span>, the person<\/span> desiring to acquire title shall make a good faith<\/span> effort to secure the last-known address of all owners<\/span> and lien<\/span> holders. He shall notify each owner<\/span> and lien<\/span> holder by registered letter that if ownership is not claimed and the watercraft<\/span> not removed within 30 days, he will apply for title to the watercraft<\/span> in his name. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The person<\/span> desiring to acquire title also shall place a notice<\/span>, to appear for three consecutive issues<\/span>, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or city where the watercraft<\/span> is located. The notice<\/span> shall describe the watercraft<\/span>, its location, and any identifying number or numbers. The notice<\/span> shall state<\/span> that if the watercraft<\/span> is not claimed and removed within 30 days after the first day the notice<\/span> was published, the person<\/span> who has placed the notice<\/span> shall apply to the Department<\/span> for title to the watercraft<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> At the end of the 30-day period, the person<\/span> seeking to acquire the watercraft<\/span> shall apply to the Department<\/span> for title. The application shall be accompanied by the following: (i) an affidavit<\/span> stating that to the best of the applicant’s knowledge<\/span> the watercraft<\/span> has been abandoned for a period of at least 60 days, (ii) proof that the registered letter required by the Department<\/span> was mailed at least 30 days prior to application or a detailed explanation of the steps taken to identify the owner<\/span> and lien<\/span> holder, and (iii) proof that a notice<\/span> was printed in a newspaper as required in subsection D. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Upon receipt by the Department<\/span> of all items required by subsection E, and after all fees and taxes due have been paid, the Department<\/span> shall then issue<\/span> title to the watercraft<\/span> to the applicant. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> All costs incurred in obtaining title to a watercraft<\/span> under this section shall be borne by the applicant. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> Any locality or state<\/span> agency that has met the requirements of subsections A through D may apply to the Department<\/span> for an authorization to destroy and dispose of the watercraft<\/span>. The application shall be accompanied by the following: (i) an affidavit<\/span> stating that to the best of the applicant’s knowledge<\/span> the watercraft<\/span> has been abandoned for a period of at least 60 days, (ii) proof that the registered letter required by the Department<\/span> was mailed at least 30 days prior to application or a detailed explanation of the steps taken to identify the owner<\/span> and lien<\/span> holder, (iii) proof that a notice<\/span> was printed in a newspaper as required in subsection D, and (iv) a certification by the applicant that the watercraft<\/span> will be destroyed and disposed of following authorization. Upon receipt of such complete application items required in this subsection, the Department<\/span> shall issue<\/span> an authorization to destroy and dispose of the watercraft<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nACQUIRING TITLE TO AN ABANDONED WATERCRAFT (\u00a7 29.1-733.25)\n\nA. Any watercraft abandoned for a period exceeding 60 days is subject to the\nprovisions of this section.\n\nB. A landowner, his lessee, or his agent may acquire title to any watercraft\nabandoned on his land or the water immediately adjacent to his land. Acquisition\nof title, under the provisions of this section, divests any other person of any\ninterest in the watercraft.\n\nC. If a watercraft has a registration number assigned by the Commonwealth or any\nother state, or if there are other means of identifying the owner, the person\ndesiring to acquire title shall make a good faith effort to secure the\nlast-known address of all owners and lien holders. He shall notify each owner\nand lien holder by registered letter that if ownership is not claimed and the\nwatercraft not removed within 30 days, he will apply for title to the watercraft\nin his name.\n\nD. The person desiring to acquire title also shall place a notice, to appear for\nthree consecutive issues, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or\ncity where the watercraft is located. The notice shall describe the watercraft,\nits location, and any identifying number or numbers. The notice shall state that\nif the watercraft is not claimed and removed within 30 days after the first day\nthe notice was published, the person who has placed the notice shall apply to\nthe Department for title to the watercraft.\n\nE. At the end of the 30-day period, the person seeking to acquire the watercraft\nshall apply to the Department for title. The application shall be accompanied by\nthe following: (i) an affidavit stating that to the best of the\napplicant’s knowledge the watercraft has been abandoned for a period of at\nleast 60 days, (ii) proof that the registered letter required by the Department\nwas mailed at least 30 days prior to application or a detailed explanation of\nthe steps taken to identify the owner and lien holder, and (iii) proof that a\nnotice was printed in a newspaper as required in subsection D.\n\nF. Upon receipt by the Department of all items required by subsection E, and\nafter all fees and taxes due have been paid, the Department shall then issue\ntitle to the watercraft to the applicant.\n\nG. All costs incurred in obtaining title to a watercraft under this section\nshall be borne by the applicant.\n\nH. Any locality or state agency that has met the requirements of subsections A\nthrough D may apply to the Department for an authorization to destroy and\ndispose of the watercraft. The application shall be accompanied by the\nfollowing: (i) an affidavit stating that to the best of the applicant’s\nknowledge the watercraft has been abandoned for a period of at least 60 days,\n(ii) proof that the registered letter required by the Department was mailed at\nleast 30 days prior to application or a detailed explanation of the steps taken\nto identify the owner and lien holder, (iii) proof that a notice was printed in\na newspaper as required in subsection D, and (iv) a certification by the\napplicant that the watercraft will be destroyed and disposed of following\nauthorization. Upon receipt of such complete application items required in this\nsubsection, the Department shall issue an authorization to destroy and dispose\nof the watercraft.\n\nHISTORY: 2013, c. 787; 2024, c. 314.","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}}