Registering a boat in West Virginia is an essential process that every boat owner must undertake. It not only ensures compliance with state laws and regulations but also enables the owner to enjoy their watercraft without any legal troubles. In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of registering a boat in West Virginia.
Before registering your boat in West Virginia, you need to gather the necessary information and documentation. The following documents are required:
· Proof of ownership: This includes the original title or a bill of sale that proves you are the owner of the boat.
· Completed boat registration application: You can download the application from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) website or obtain a physical copy from a local DNR office.
· Sales Tax Form ST-6: You will need to complete this form if you purchased the boat from a private seller and did not pay sales tax at the time of purchase.
· Proof of sales tax payment: If you purchased the boat from a dealer, you will need to provide proof of sales tax payment.
· Valid identification: You will need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license.
West Virginia offers several types of boat registrations, including new boat registration, renewal, transfer, and duplicate registration. The type of registration you need will depend on your specific circumstances. Since 1989, all boats must be titled in addition to being registered. There are a number of circumstances, each require different forms to be completed and submitted. You will most likely have to complete any of the following three forms.
· MB-6 (Application for Motorboat Title)
· DMV-1-B (Hull Identification Certification, must be completed by law enforcement)
· MB-12/13 (Owner and Purchasing Affidavit)
Visit the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website here for more information.
· New boat registration: If you recently purchased a new boat, you will need to register it for the first time.
· Renewal registration: If your boat was previously registered in West Virginia and your registration has expired, you will need to renew your registration.
· Transfer registration: If you purchased a used boat that was previously registered in West Virginia, you will need to transfer the registration into your name.
· Duplicate registration: If you lost or damaged your boat registration, you will need to obtain a duplicate registration.
Once you have gathered all the necessary documentation and determined the type of registration you need, you can register your boat by following these steps:
· Complete the boat registration application and Sales Tax Form ST-6 (if applicable).
· Submit the completed application, sales tax form (if applicable), and proof of ownership to your local DMV office.
· Pay the registration fee, which varies depending on the length of your boat and whether you opt for a one or three-year registration.
The fee schedule is listed below.
Length | Fee |
Less than 16’ | $30 |
16’ – 25’ | $45 |
26’ – 39’ | $60 |
40’ and longer | $75 |
After registering your boat, you will receive a registration number and two decals. You must display the registration number and decals on your boat as follows:
· The registration number must be displayed on the forward half of your boat, at least three inches high, and in contrasting color to the boat's hull.
· The decals must be displayed on each side of your boat, at least three inches away from the registration number.
In conclusion, registering a boat in West Virginia may seem like a daunting task, but it is a necessary one. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure compliance with state laws and regulations and enjoy your watercraft without any legal troubles.
