{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/29.1-733.8.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/29.1-733.8.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/29.1-733.8.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/29.1-733.8.html"}],"law_id":57724,"edition_id":1,"section_id":57724,"structure_id":13228,"section_number":"29.1-733.8","catch_line":"Creation and cancellation of certificate of title","history":"2013, c. 787.","full_text":"A\n\nUnless an application for a certificate of title is rejected under subsection C or D, the Department shall create a certificate for the watercraft in accordance with subsection B not later than 20 days after delivery to it of an application that complies with § 29.1-733.7.B\n\nIf the Department creates electronic certificates of title, the Department shall create an electronic certificate unless in the application the secured party of record or, if none, the owner of record, requests that the Department create a written certificate.C\n\nExcept as otherwise provided in subsection D, the Department shall reject an application for a certificate of title only if:1\n\nThe application does not comply with § 29.1-733.7;2\n\nThe application does not contain documentation sufficient for the Department to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a certificate;3\n\nThere is a reasonable basis for concluding that the application is fraudulent or issuance of a certificate would facilitate a fraudulent or illegal act; or4\n\nThe application does not comply with the law of the Commonwealth other than this article.D\n\nThe Department shall reject an application for a certificate of title for a watercraft that is a documented vessel or a foreign-documented vessel.E\n\nThe Department shall cancel a certificate of title created by it only if the Department:1\n\nCould have rejected the application for the certificate under subsection C;2\n\nIs required to cancel the certificate under another provision of this article; or3\n\nReceives satisfactory evidence that the watercraft is a documented vessel or a foreign-documented vessel.F\n\nThe Department shall provide an opportunity for an informal fact-finding proceeding at which the owner and any other interested party may present evidence in support of or opposition to cancellation of a certificate of title. The Department shall serve all owners and secured parties indicated in the files of the Department with notice of the opportunity for an informal fact-finding proceeding. Service shall be made personally or by mail through the U.S. Postal Service, properly addressed, postage paid, return receipt requested. Service by mail is complete on deposit with the U.S. Postal Service. The Department by rule may authorize service by electronic transmission if a copy is sent on the same day by first-class mail or by a commercial delivery company. If not later than 30 days after the notice was served, the Department receives a request for an informal fact-finding proceeding from an interested party, the Department shall hold the proceeding not later than 20 days after receiving the request.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":211430,"text":"Unless an application for a certificate of title is rejected under subsection C or D, the Department shall create a certificate for the watercraft in accordance with subsection B not later than 20 days after delivery to it of an application that complies with § 29.1-733.7.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":211431,"text":"If the Department creates electronic certificates of title, the Department shall create an electronic certificate unless in the application the secured party of record or, if none, the owner of record, requests that the Department create a written certificate.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":211432,"text":"Except as otherwise provided in subsection D, the Department shall reject an application for a certificate of title only if:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"C1"},"3":{"id":211433,"text":"The application does not comply with § 29.1-733.7;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"4":{"id":211434,"text":"The application does not contain documentation sufficient for the Department to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a certificate;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"5":{"id":211435,"text":"There is a reasonable basis for concluding that the application is fraudulent or issuance of a certificate would facilitate a fraudulent or illegal act; or","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"C4"},"6":{"id":211436,"text":"The application does not comply with the law of the Commonwealth other than this article.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"C4","prefix_anchor":"C4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"D"},"7":{"id":211437,"text":"The Department shall reject an application for a certificate of title for a watercraft that is a documented vessel or a foreign-documented vessel.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C4","next_prefix":"E"},"8":{"id":211438,"text":"The Department shall cancel a certificate of title created by it only if the Department:","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"E1"},"9":{"id":211439,"text":"Could have rejected the application for the certificate under subsection C;","type":"section","prefixes":["E","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"E1","prefix_anchor":"E1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"E2"},"10":{"id":211440,"text":"Is required to cancel the certificate under another provision of this article; or","type":"section","prefixes":["E","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"E2","prefix_anchor":"E2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"E1","next_prefix":"E3"},"11":{"id":211441,"text":"Receives satisfactory evidence that the watercraft is a documented vessel or a foreign-documented vessel.","type":"section","prefixes":["E","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"E3","prefix_anchor":"E3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"E2","next_prefix":"F"},"12":{"id":211442,"text":"The Department shall provide an opportunity for an informal fact-finding proceeding at which the owner and any other interested party may present evidence in support of or opposition to cancellation of a certificate of title. The Department shall serve all owners and secured parties indicated in the files of the Department with notice of the opportunity for an informal fact-finding proceeding. Service shall be made personally or by mail through the U.S. Postal Service, properly addressed, postage paid, return receipt requested. Service by mail is complete on deposit with the U.S. Postal Service. The Department by rule may authorize service by electronic transmission if a copy is sent on the same day by first-class mail or by a commercial delivery company. If not later than 30 days after the notice was served, the Department receives a request for an informal fact-finding proceeding from an interested party, the Department shall hold the proceeding not later than 20 days after receiving the request.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E3"}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/29.1-733.8\/","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.<\/p>","references":[{"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\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":68953,"section_number":"29.1-733.7","catch_line":"Application for certificate of title","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.7\/"}],"permalink":{"id":193633,"object_type":"law","relational_id":57724,"identifier":"29.1-733.8","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.8","url":"\/29.1-733.8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/29.1-733.8\/","token":"29.1\/7\/2.1\/29.1-733.8","dublin_core":{"Title":"Creation and cancellation of certificate of title","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 29.1-733.8","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Unless an application for a certificate of title<\/span> is rejected under subsection C or D, the Department<\/span> shall create a certificate for the watercraft<\/span> in accordance with subsection B not later than 20 days after delivery to it of an application that complies with § 29.1-733.7<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> If the Department<\/span> creates electronic<\/span> certificates of title, the Department<\/span> shall create an electronic<\/span> certificate unless in the application the secured party of record<\/span> or, if none, the owner of record<\/span>, requests that the Department<\/span> create a written certificate. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Except as otherwise provided in subsection D, the Department<\/span> shall reject an application for a certificate of title<\/span> only if: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The application does not comply with § 29.1-733.7<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The application does not contain documentation sufficient for the Department<\/span> to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a certificate; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> There is a reasonable basis for concluding that the application is fraudulent or issuance of a certificate would facilitate a fraudulent or illegal act; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The application does not comply with the law<\/span> of the Commonwealth other than this article. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Department<\/span> shall reject an application for a certificate of title<\/span> for a watercraft<\/span> that is a documented vessel<\/span> or a foreign-documented vessel<\/span><\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The Department<\/span> shall cancel a certificate of title<\/span> created by it only if the Department<\/span>: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Could have rejected the application for the certificate under subsection C; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Is required to cancel the certificate under another provision of this article; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Receives satisfactory evidence<\/span> that the watercraft<\/span> is a documented vessel<\/span> or a foreign-documented vessel<\/span><\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The Department<\/span> shall provide an opportunity for an informal fact<\/span>-finding<\/span> proceeding at which the owner and any other interested party may present evidence<\/span> in support of or opposition to cancellation of a certificate of title<\/span>. The Department<\/span> shall serve all owners<\/span> and secured parties indicated in the files of the Department<\/span> with notice<\/span> of the opportunity for an informal fact<\/span>-finding<\/span> proceeding. Service shall be made personally or by mail through the U.S. Postal Service, properly addressed, postage paid, return receipt requested. Service by mail is complete on deposit with the U.S. Postal Service. The Department<\/span> by rule may authorize service by electronic<\/span> transmission if a copy is sent on the same day by first-class mail or by a commercial delivery company. If not later than 30 days after the notice<\/span> was served, the Department<\/span> receives a request for an informal fact<\/span>-finding<\/span> proceeding from an interested party, the Department<\/span> shall hold the proceeding not later than 20 days after receiving the request. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCREATION AND CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATE OF TITLE (\u00a7 29.1-733.8)\n\nA. Unless an application for a certificate of title is rejected under subsection\nC or D, the Department shall create a certificate for the watercraft in\naccordance with subsection B not later than 20 days after delivery to it of an\napplication that complies with § 29.1-733.7.\n\nB. If the Department creates electronic certificates of title, the Department\nshall create an electronic certificate unless in the application the secured\nparty of record or, if none, the owner of record, requests that the Department\ncreate a written certificate.\n\nC. Except as otherwise provided in subsection D, the Department shall reject an\napplication for a certificate of title only if:\n\n 1. The application does not comply with § 29.1-733.7;\n\n 2. The application does not contain documentation sufficient for the\n Department to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a certificate;\n\n 3. There is a reasonable basis for concluding that the application is\n fraudulent or issuance of a certificate would facilitate a fraudulent or\n illegal act; or\n\n 4. The application does not comply with the law of the Commonwealth other than\n this article.\n\nD. The Department shall reject an application for a certificate of title for a\nwatercraft that is a documented vessel or a foreign-documented vessel.\n\nE. The Department shall cancel a certificate of title created by it only if the\nDepartment:\n\n 1. Could have rejected the application for the certificate under subsection C;\n\n 2. Is required to cancel the certificate under another provision of this\n article; or\n\n 3. Receives satisfactory evidence that the watercraft is a documented vessel\n or a foreign-documented vessel.\n\nF. The Department shall provide an opportunity for an informal fact-finding\nproceeding at which the owner and any other interested party may present\nevidence in support of or opposition to cancellation of a certificate of title.\nThe Department shall serve all owners and secured parties indicated in the files\nof the Department with notice of the opportunity for an informal fact-finding\nproceeding. Service shall be made personally or by mail through the U.S. Postal\nService, properly addressed, postage paid, return receipt requested. Service by\nmail is complete on deposit with the U.S. Postal Service. The Department by rule\nmay authorize service by electronic transmission if a copy is sent on the same\nday by first-class mail or by a commercial delivery company. If not later than\n30 days after the notice was served, the Department receives a request for an\ninformal fact-finding proceeding from an interested party, the Department shall\nhold the proceeding not later than 20 days after receiving the request.\n\nHISTORY: 2013, c. 787.","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}}