{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/29.1-733.7.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/29.1-733.7.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/29.1-733.7.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/29.1-733.7.html"}],"law_id":68953,"edition_id":1,"section_id":68953,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.7","catch_line":"Application for certificate of title","history":"2013, c. 787; 2014, c. 371; 2015, cc. 502, 503.","full_text":"A\n\nExcept as otherwise provided in § 29.1-733.10, 29.1-733.15, 29.1-733.19, 29.1-733.20, 29.1-733.21, or 29.1-733.22, only an owner may apply for a certificate of title.B\n\nAn application for a certificate of title shall be signed by the applicant and contain:1\n\nThe applicant’s name, the street address of the applicant’s principal residence, and, if different, the applicant’s mailing address;2\n\nThe name and mailing address of each other owner of the watercraft at the time of application;3\n\nThe motor vehicle driver’s license number, social security number, or taxpayer identification number of each owner;4\n\nThe hull identification number for the watercraft or, if none, an application for the issuance of a hull identification number for the watercraft;5\n\nIf numbering is required pursuant to § 29.1-703, the registration number for the watercraft or, if none has been issued by the Department, an application for a registration number pursuant to § 29.1-702;6\n\nA description of the watercraft as required by the Department, which shall include:\n\t\t\t\ta. The official number for the watercraft, if any, assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard;\n\t\t\t\tb. The name of the manufacturer, builder, or maker;\n\t\t\t\tc. The model year or the year in which the manufacture or build of the watercraft was completed;\n\t\t\t\td. The overall length of the watercraft;\n\t\t\t\te. The watercraft type;\n\t\t\t\tf. The hull material;\n\t\t\t\tg. The propulsion type;\n\t\t\t\th. The engine drive type, if any;\n\t\t\t\ti. The motor identification, including manufacturer’s name and serial number, except on motors of 25 horsepower or less; and\n\t\t\t\tj. The fuel type, if any;7\n\nAn indication of all security interests in the watercraft known to the applicant and the name and mailing address of each secured party;8\n\nA statement that the watercraft is not a documented vessel or a foreign-documented vessel;9\n\nAny title brand known to the applicant and, if known, the jurisdiction under whose law the title brand was created;10\n\nIf the applicant knows that the watercraft is hull damaged, a statement that the watercraft is hull damaged;11\n\nIf the application is made in connection with a transfer of ownership, the transferor’s name, street address and, if different, mailing address, the sales price, if any, and the date of the transfer; and12\n\nIf the watercraft previously was registered or titled in another jurisdiction, a statement identifying each jurisdiction known to the applicant in which the watercraft was registered or titled.C\n\nIn addition to the information required by subsection B, an application for a certificate of title may contain an electronic communication address of the owner, transferor, or secured party.D\n\nExcept as otherwise provided in \u00a7 29.1-733.19, 29.1-733.20, 29.1-733.21, or 29.1-733.22, an application for a certificate of title shall be accompanied by:1\n\nA certificate of title that is signed by the owner shown on the certificate and that:\n\t\t\t\ta. Identifies the applicant as the owner of the watercraft; or\n\t\t\t\tb. Is accompanied by a record that identifies the applicant as the owner; or2\n\nIf there is no certificate of title:\n\t\t\t\ta. If the watercraft was a documented vessel, a record issued by the U.S. Coast Guard that shows that the watercraft is no longer a documented vessel and identifies the applicant as the owner;\n\t\t\t\tb. If the watercraft was a foreign-documented vessel, a record issued by the foreign country that shows that the watercraft is no longer a foreign-documented vessel and identifies the applicant as the owner; or\n\t\t\t\tc. In all other cases, a certificate of origin, bill of sale, or other record that to the satisfaction of the Department identifies the applicant as the owner. Issuance of registration under the provisions of § 29.1-702 is prima facie evidence of ownership of a watercraft and entitlement to a certificate of title under the provisions of this article.E\n\nA record submitted in connection with an application is part of the application. The Department shall maintain the record in its files.F\n\nThe Department shall require that an application for a certificate of title be accompanied by payment or evidence of payment of all fees and taxes payable by the applicant under law of the Commonwealth other than this article in connection with the application or the acquisition or use of the watercraft. The Department shall charge $7 for issue of each certificate of title, transfer of title, or for the recording of a supplemental lien. The Department shall charge $2 for the issuance of each duplicate title or for changes to a previously issued certificate of title that are made necessary by a change of the motor on the watercraft. Any watercraft purchased and used by a nonprofit volunteer emergency medical services agency shall be exempt from the fees imposed under this section.G\n\nThe application shall be on forms prescribed and furnished by the Department and shall contain any other information required by the Director.H\n\nWhenever any person, after applying for or obtaining the certificate of title of a watercraft, moves from the address shown in the application or upon the certificate of title, he shall, within 30 days, notify the Department in writing of his change of address. A fee of $7 shall be imposed upon anyone failing to comply with this subsection within the time prescribed.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":249619,"text":"Except as otherwise provided in § 29.1-733.10, 29.1-733.15, 29.1-733.19, 29.1-733.20, 29.1-733.21, or 29.1-733.22, only an owner may apply for a certificate of title.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":249620,"text":"An application for a certificate of title shall be signed by the applicant and contain:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":249621,"text":"The applicant’s name, the street address of the applicant’s principal residence, and, if different, the applicant’s mailing address;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":249622,"text":"The name and mailing address of each other owner of the watercraft at the time of application;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":249623,"text":"The motor vehicle driver’s license number, social security number, or taxpayer identification number of each owner;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"5":{"id":249624,"text":"The hull identification number for the watercraft or, if none, an application for the issuance of a hull identification number for the watercraft;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"6":{"id":249625,"text":"If numbering is required pursuant to § 29.1-703, the registration number for the watercraft or, if none has been issued by the Department, an application for a registration number pursuant to § 29.1-702;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"7":{"id":249626,"text":"A description of the watercraft as required by the Department, which shall include:\n\t\t\t\ta. The official number for the watercraft, if any, assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard;\n\t\t\t\tb. The name of the manufacturer, builder, or maker;\n\t\t\t\tc. The model year or the year in which the manufacture or build of the watercraft was completed;\n\t\t\t\td. The overall length of the watercraft;\n\t\t\t\te. The watercraft type;\n\t\t\t\tf. The hull material;\n\t\t\t\tg. The propulsion type;\n\t\t\t\th. The engine drive type, if any;\n\t\t\t\ti. The motor identification, including manufacturer’s name and serial number, except on motors of 25 horsepower or less; and\n\t\t\t\tj. The fuel type, if any;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"B7"},"8":{"id":249627,"text":"An indication of all security interests in the watercraft known to the applicant and the name and mailing address of each secured party;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"B7","prefix_anchor":"B7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"B8"},"9":{"id":249628,"text":"A statement that the watercraft is not a documented vessel or a foreign-documented vessel;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"B8","prefix_anchor":"B8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B7","next_prefix":"B9"},"10":{"id":249629,"text":"Any title brand known to the applicant and, if known, the jurisdiction under whose law the title brand was created;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"B9","prefix_anchor":"B9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B8","next_prefix":"B10"},"11":{"id":249630,"text":"If the applicant knows that the watercraft is hull damaged, a statement that the watercraft is hull damaged;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"B10","prefix_anchor":"B10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B9","next_prefix":"B11"},"12":{"id":249631,"text":"If the application is made in connection with a transfer of ownership, the transferor’s name, street address and, if different, mailing address, the sales price, if any, and the date of the transfer; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"B11","prefix_anchor":"B11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B10","next_prefix":"B12"},"13":{"id":249632,"text":"If the watercraft previously was registered or titled in another jurisdiction, a statement identifying each jurisdiction known to the applicant in which the watercraft was registered or titled.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"B12","prefix_anchor":"B12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B11","next_prefix":"C"},"14":{"id":249633,"text":"In addition to the information required by subsection B, an application for a certificate of title may contain an electronic communication address of the owner, transferor, or secured party.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B12","next_prefix":"D"},"15":{"id":249634,"text":"Except as otherwise provided in \u00a7 29.1-733.19, 29.1-733.20, 29.1-733.21, or 29.1-733.22, an application for a certificate of title shall be accompanied by:","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"D1"},"16":{"id":249635,"text":"A certificate of title that is signed by the owner shown on the certificate and that:\n\t\t\t\ta. Identifies the applicant as the owner of the watercraft; or\n\t\t\t\tb. Is accompanied by a record that identifies the applicant as the owner; or","type":"section","prefixes":["D","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"D1","prefix_anchor":"D1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"D2"},"17":{"id":249636,"text":"If there is no certificate of title:\n\t\t\t\ta. If the watercraft was a documented vessel, a record issued by the U.S. Coast Guard that shows that the watercraft is no longer a documented vessel and identifies the applicant as the owner;\n\t\t\t\tb. If the watercraft was a foreign-documented vessel, a record issued by the foreign country that shows that the watercraft is no longer a foreign-documented vessel and identifies the applicant as the owner; or\n\t\t\t\tc. In all other cases, a certificate of origin, bill of sale, or other record that to the satisfaction of the Department identifies the applicant as the owner. Issuance of registration under the provisions of § 29.1-702 is prima facie evidence of ownership of a watercraft and entitlement to a certificate of title under the provisions of this article.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"D2","prefix_anchor":"D2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D1","next_prefix":"E"},"18":{"id":249637,"text":"A record submitted in connection with an application is part of the application. The Department shall maintain the record in its files.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D2","next_prefix":"F"},"19":{"id":249638,"text":"The Department shall require that an application for a certificate of title be accompanied by payment or evidence of payment of all fees and taxes payable by the applicant under law of the Commonwealth other than this article in connection with the application or the acquisition or use of the watercraft. The Department shall charge $7 for issue of each certificate of title, transfer of title, or for the recording of a supplemental lien. The Department shall charge $2 for the issuance of each duplicate title or for changes to a previously issued certificate of title that are made necessary by a change of the motor on the watercraft. Any watercraft purchased and used by a nonprofit volunteer emergency medical services agency shall be exempt from the fees imposed under this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"20":{"id":249639,"text":"The application shall be on forms prescribed and furnished by the Department and shall contain any other information required by the Director.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"21":{"id":249640,"text":"Whenever any person, after applying for or obtaining the certificate of title of a watercraft, moves from the address shown in the application or upon the certificate of title, he shall, within 30 days, notify the Department in writing of his change of address. A fee of $7 shall be imposed upon anyone failing to comply with this subsection within the time prescribed.","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 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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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/29.1-733.7\/","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 2 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 2014, chapter 371<\/a>; in 2015, chapters 502<\/a> and 503<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":59450,"section_number":"29.1-733.10","catch_line":"Title brand","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.10\/"},{"id":66488,"section_number":"29.1-733.11","catch_line":"Maintenance of and access to files","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.11\/"},{"id":72201,"section_number":"29.1-733.15","catch_line":"Perfection of security interest","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.15\/"},{"id":82562,"section_number":"29.1-733.16","catch_line":"Termination statement; delivery of certificate of title; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.16\/"},{"id":64029,"section_number":"29.1-733.19","catch_line":"Transfer of ownership by secured party's transfer statement","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.19\/"},{"id":54234,"section_number":"29.1-733.20","catch_line":"Transfer by operation of law","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.20\/"},{"id":80512,"section_number":"29.1-733.21","catch_line":"Application for transfer of ownership or termination of security interest without certificate of title","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.21\/"},{"id":59034,"section_number":"29.1-733.22","catch_line":"Replacement certificate of title","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.22\/"},{"id":57724,"section_number":"29.1-733.8","catch_line":"Creation and cancellation of certificate of title","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.8\/"},{"id":83895,"section_number":"29.1-733.9","catch_line":"Content of certificate of title","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.9\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":82074,"section_number":"29.1-702","catch_line":"Registration requirements; display of numbers; cancellation of certificate; exemption","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-702\/"},{"id":62216,"section_number":"29.1-703","catch_line":"Identification numbers required; decals","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-703\/"},{"id":59450,"section_number":"29.1-733.10","catch_line":"Title brand","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.10\/"},{"id":72201,"section_number":"29.1-733.15","catch_line":"Perfection of security interest","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.15\/"},{"id":64029,"section_number":"29.1-733.19","catch_line":"Transfer of ownership by secured party's transfer statement","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.19\/"},{"id":54234,"section_number":"29.1-733.20","catch_line":"Transfer by operation of law","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.20\/"},{"id":80512,"section_number":"29.1-733.21","catch_line":"Application for transfer of ownership or termination of security interest without certificate of title","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.21\/"},{"id":59034,"section_number":"29.1-733.22","catch_line":"Replacement certificate of title","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.22\/"}],"permalink":{"id":193629,"object_type":"law","relational_id":68953,"identifier":"29.1-733.7","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.7","url":"\/29.1-733.7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/29.1-733.7\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.7","dublin_core":{"Title":"Application for certificate of title","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 29.1-733.7","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Except as otherwise provided in § 29.1-733.10<\/a>, 29.1-733.15<\/a>, 29.1-733.19<\/a>, 29.1-733.20<\/a>, 29.1-733.21<\/a>, or 29.1-733.22<\/a>, only an owner<\/span> may apply for a certificate of title<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> An application for a certificate of title<\/span> shall be signed by the applicant and contain: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The applicant’s name, the street address of the applicant’s principal residence, and, if different, the applicant’s mailing address; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The name and mailing address of each other owner<\/span> of the watercraft<\/span> at the time of application; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The motor vehicle driver’s license number, social security number, or taxpayer identification number of each owner<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The hull identification number<\/span> for the watercraft<\/span> or, if none, an application for the issuance of a hull identification number<\/span> for the watercraft<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> If numbering is required pursuant to § 29.1-703<\/a>, the registration number<\/span> for the watercraft<\/span> or, if none has been issued by the Department<\/span>, an application for a registration number<\/span> pursuant to § 29.1-702<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> A description of the watercraft<\/span> as required by the Department<\/span>, which shall include:\n\t\t\t\ta. The official number for the watercraft<\/span>, if any, assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard;\n\t\t\t\tb. The name of the manufacturer, builder, or maker;\n\t\t\t\tc. The model year or the year in which the manufacture or build of the watercraft<\/span> was completed;\n\t\t\t\td. The overall length of the watercraft<\/span>;\n\t\t\t\te. The watercraft<\/span> type;\n\t\t\t\tf. The hull material<\/span>;\n\t\t\t\tg. The propulsion type;\n\t\t\t\th. The engine drive type, if any;\n\t\t\t\ti. The motor identification, including manufacturer’s name and serial number, except on motors of 25 horsepower or less; and\n\t\t\t\tj. The fuel type, if any; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> An indication of all security interests<\/span> in the watercraft<\/span> known to the applicant and the name and mailing address of each secured party<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> A statement that the watercraft<\/span> is not a documented vessel<\/span> or a foreign-documented vessel<\/span><\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> Any title brand<\/span> known to the applicant and, if known, the jurisdiction<\/span> under whose law<\/span> the title brand<\/span> was created; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> If the applicant knows that the watercraft<\/span> is hull damaged<\/span>, a statement that the watercraft<\/span> is hull damaged<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> If the application is made in connection with a transfer of ownership<\/span>, the transferor’s name, street address and, if different, mailing address, the sales<\/span> price, if any, and the date of the transfer; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> If the watercraft<\/span> previously was registered or titled in another jurisdiction<\/span>, a statement identifying each jurisdiction<\/span> known to the applicant in which the watercraft<\/span> was registered or titled. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> In addition to the information required by subsection B, an application for a certificate of title<\/span> may contain an electronic<\/span> communication address of the owner<\/span>, transferor, or secured party<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Except as otherwise provided in \u00a7 29.1-733.19<\/a>, 29.1-733.20<\/a>, 29.1-733.21<\/a>, or 29.1-733.22<\/a>, an application for a certificate of title<\/span> shall be accompanied by: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> A certificate of title<\/span> that is signed by the owner<\/span> shown on the certificate and that:\n\t\t\t\ta. Identifies the applicant as the owner<\/span> of the watercraft<\/span>; or\n\t\t\t\tb. Is accompanied by a record<\/span> that identifies the applicant as the owner<\/span>; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> If there is no certificate of title<\/span>:\n\t\t\t\ta. If the watercraft<\/span> was a documented vessel<\/span>, a record<\/span> issued by the U.S. Coast Guard that shows that the watercraft<\/span> is no longer a documented vessel<\/span> and identifies the applicant as the owner<\/span>;\n\t\t\t\tb. If the watercraft<\/span> was a foreign-documented vessel<\/span><\/span>, a record<\/span> issued by the foreign country that shows that the watercraft<\/span> is no longer a foreign-documented vessel<\/span><\/span> and identifies the applicant as the owner<\/span>; or\n\t\t\t\tc. In all other cases, a certificate of origin<\/span>, bill of sale<\/span>, or other record<\/span> that to the satisfaction of the Department<\/span> identifies the applicant as the owner<\/span>. Issuance of registration under the provisions of § 29.1-702<\/a> is prima facie evidence<\/span> of ownership of a watercraft<\/span> and entitlement to a certificate of title<\/span> under the provisions of this article. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> A record<\/span> submitted in connection with an application is part of the application. The Department<\/span> shall maintain the record<\/span> in its files. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The Department<\/span> shall require that an application for a certificate of title<\/span> be accompanied by payment or evidence<\/span> of payment of all fees and taxes payable by the applicant under law<\/span> of the Commonwealth other than this article in connection with the application or the acquisition or use of the watercraft<\/span>. The Department<\/span> shall charge $7 for issue<\/span> of each certificate of title<\/span>, transfer of title, or for the recording of a supplemental lien<\/span>. The Department<\/span> shall charge $2 for the issuance of each duplicate title or for changes to a previously issued certificate of title<\/span> that are made necessary by a change of the motor on the watercraft<\/span>. Any watercraft<\/span> purchased and used by a nonprofit volunteer emergency medical services agency shall be exempt from the fees imposed under this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> The application shall be on forms prescribed and furnished by the Department<\/span> and shall contain any other information required by the Director<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> Whenever any person<\/span>, after applying for or obtaining the certificate of title<\/span> of a watercraft<\/span>, moves from the address shown in the application or upon the certificate of title<\/span>, he shall, within 30 days, notify the Department<\/span> in writing of his change of address. A fee of $7 shall be imposed upon anyone failing to comply with this subsection within the time prescribed. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAPPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TITLE (\u00a7 29.1-733.7)\n\nA. Except as otherwise provided in § 29.1-733.10, 29.1-733.15, 29.1-733.19,\n29.1-733.20, 29.1-733.21, or 29.1-733.22, only an owner may apply for a\ncertificate of title.\n\nB. An application for a certificate of title shall be signed by the applicant\nand contain:\n\n 1. The applicant’s name, the street address of the applicant’s\n principal residence, and, if different, the applicant’s mailing address;\n\n 2. The name and mailing address of each other owner of the watercraft at the\n time of application;\n\n 3. The motor vehicle driver’s license number, social security number, or\n taxpayer identification number of each owner;\n\n 4. The hull identification number for the watercraft or, if none, an\n application for the issuance of a hull identification number for the\n watercraft;\n\n 5. If numbering is required pursuant to § 29.1-703, the registration\n number for the watercraft or, if none has been issued by the Department, an\n application for a registration number pursuant to § 29.1-702;\n\n 6. A description of the watercraft as required by the Department, which shall\n include:\n \t\t\t\ta. The official number for the watercraft, if any, assigned by the U.S.\n Coast Guard;\n \t\t\t\tb. The name of the manufacturer, builder, or maker;\n \t\t\t\tc. The model year or the year in which the manufacture or build of the\n watercraft was completed;\n \t\t\t\td. The overall length of the watercraft;\n \t\t\t\te. The watercraft type;\n \t\t\t\tf. The hull material;\n \t\t\t\tg. The propulsion type;\n \t\t\t\th. The engine drive type, if any;\n \t\t\t\ti. The motor identification, including manufacturer’s name and\n serial number, except on motors of 25 horsepower or less; and\n \t\t\t\tj. The fuel type, if any;\n\n 7. An indication of all security interests in the watercraft known to the\n applicant and the name and mailing address of each secured party;\n\n 8. A statement that the watercraft is not a documented vessel or a\n foreign-documented vessel;\n\n 9. Any title brand known to the applicant and, if known, the jurisdiction\n under whose law the title brand was created;\n\n 10. If the applicant knows that the watercraft is hull damaged, a statement\n that the watercraft is hull damaged;\n\n 11. If the application is made in connection with a transfer of ownership, the\n transferor’s name, street address and, if different, mailing address,\n the sales price, if any, and the date of the transfer; and\n\n 12. If the watercraft previously was registered or titled in another\n jurisdiction, a statement identifying each jurisdiction known to the applicant\n in which the watercraft was registered or titled.\n\nC. In addition to the information required by subsection B, an application for a\ncertificate of title may contain an electronic communication address of the\nowner, transferor, or secured party.\n\nD. Except as otherwise provided in \u00a7 29.1-733.19, 29.1-733.20, 29.1-733.21, or\n29.1-733.22, an application for a certificate of title shall be accompanied by:\n\n 1. A certificate of title that is signed by the owner shown on the certificate\n and that:\n \t\t\t\ta. Identifies the applicant as the owner of the watercraft; or\n \t\t\t\tb. Is accompanied by a record that identifies the applicant as the owner;\n or\n\n 2. If there is no certificate of title:\n \t\t\t\ta. If the watercraft was a documented vessel, a record issued by the U.S.\n Coast Guard that shows that the watercraft is no longer a documented vessel\n and identifies the applicant as the owner;\n \t\t\t\tb. If the watercraft was a foreign-documented vessel, a record issued by\n the foreign country that shows that the watercraft is no longer a\n foreign-documented vessel and identifies the applicant as the owner; or\n \t\t\t\tc. In all other cases, a certificate of origin, bill of sale, or other\n record that to the satisfaction of the Department identifies the applicant as\n the owner. Issuance of registration under the provisions of § 29.1-702 is\n prima facie evidence of ownership of a watercraft and entitlement to a\n certificate of title under the provisions of this article.\n\nE. A record submitted in connection with an application is part of the\napplication. The Department shall maintain the record in its files.\n\nF. The Department shall require that an application for a certificate of title\nbe accompanied by payment or evidence of payment of all fees and taxes payable\nby the applicant under law of the Commonwealth other than this article in\nconnection with the application or the acquisition or use of the watercraft. The\nDepartment shall charge $7 for issue of each certificate of title, transfer of\ntitle, or for the recording of a supplemental lien. The Department shall charge\n$2 for the issuance of each duplicate title or for changes to a previously\nissued certificate of title that are made necessary by a change of the motor on\nthe watercraft. Any watercraft purchased and used by a nonprofit volunteer\nemergency medical services agency shall be exempt from the fees imposed under\nthis section.\n\nG. The application shall be on forms prescribed and furnished by the Department\nand shall contain any other information required by the Director.\n\nH. Whenever any person, after applying for or obtaining the certificate of title\nof a watercraft, moves from the address shown in the application or upon the\ncertificate of title, he shall, within 30 days, notify the Department in writing\nof his change of address. A fee of $7 shall be imposed upon anyone failing to\ncomply with this subsection within the time prescribed.\n\nHISTORY: 2013, c. 787; 2014, c. 371; 2015, cc. 502, 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}}