DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND INLAND FISHERIES - CLIENT SERVICES
P.O. BOX 9930, HENRICO, VA 23228-9930
TELEPHONE: (866) 721-6911 WEBSITE: WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV
INSTRUCTIONS
“AFFIDAVIT FOR TRANSFER OF WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION/TITLE”
As Required by §29.1-733.7 of the Code of Virginia
This procedure is required to be followed when the applicant for Watercraft Registration/Title is unable to present a Certificate of Title by reason of the same being lost or unlawfully detained by the titled owner(s). This affidavit is also required if the watercraft was not previously titled, and the applicant is unable to present a bill of sale or a change in status form signed by the last registered owner(s).
The applicant(s) must take the following steps before applying for registration/title in his/her name:
1.Attempt to contact the last registered/titled owner(s) on record by certified mail with return receipt requested at their last known address according to Department records to request the Certificate of Title and/or a release of interest in the boat if the boat was never titled at least 45 days prior to application. Please use the letter provided with these instructions. Complete the blank areas of the letter, make a copy of the completed letter before mailing.
If there is a more current address that is different than the address listed on the Boat Registration/Title record, send the certified letter to the current address. If a different address is used, provide information on how the address was obtained.
2.Attempt to contact the lienholder, if any, by certified mail with return receipt requested to request a release of interest in the watercraft at least 45 days prior to application.
If the lienholder has merged, changed names or address, contact the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to request information about the lender’s new name or location. If the lender has gone out of business, you will need a letter from the SCC stating that the lender is no longer in business.
3.If the boat was registered/titled in another state, the applicant must contact the numbering/titling agency in that state for an official copy of the records, indicating the last registered/titled owner(s) and his/her mailing address. Send a certified letter with return receipt requested to the registered/titled owner and lienholder, if any, at the last known address according to that state’s records requesting the Certificate of Title or a release of interest in the boat if the boat was never titled.
If there is a more current address that is different than the address listed on the Boat Registration/Title record of the other state, send the certified letter with return receipt requested to the current address. If a different address is used, provide information on how the address was obtained.
4.Attempt to contact the lienholder, if any, by certified mail with return receipt requested to request a release of interest in the watercraft at least 45 days prior to application.
If the lienholder has merged, changed names or address, contact the other state’s Corporation Commission (SCC) to request information about the lender’s new name or location. If the lender has gone out of business, you will need a letter from the SCC stating that the lender is no longer in business.
5.Complete the “Affidavit for Transfer of Watercraft Registration/Title” and have notarized.
6.If the watercraft is valued over $5,000 according to current Blue Book or NADA Guide, the applicant must post a bond or provide an equivalent source of indemnity or security. This bond, indemnity or other security must be equal to the value of the boat plus 20%.