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How to Catch Fish How to Tie Fishing Knots Fishing Gear and Tackle How to Fish with Lures How to Fish with Live Bait Fishing Safety Fishing Tips When to Fish Types of Fishing Fishing Terms Fishing and Conservation Fishing Resources View All

When to Saltwater Fish Saltwater Bait and Lures Saltwater Fishing Tackle Types of Saltwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing Gear Saltwater Fish Species Saltwater Fishing FAQ View All

Best Freshwater Fishing When to Freshwater Fish Freshwater Bait and Lures Learn About Freshwater Fish Species Best Freshwater Fishing Gear Freshwater Fishing FAQ View All

Fly Fishing Basics Fly Fishing Flies Fly Fishing Gear Fly Casting View All

Ice Fishing Basics Ice Fishing Gear Ice Fishing Techniques View All

Boating Basics How to Boat Boating and Water Safety Choose Your Boat Use our Boat Explorer Tool Get on the Water View All

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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

Register a Boat in Virginia

Not only is boating fun, it is easier to learn than you might think. Once you purchase a boat, you need to apply to get your boating license Virginia registered and learn state boating laws. Safe boating classes are offered in each state and are provided to help educate boaters about state boating regulations.

VIRGINIA BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

The state of Virginia requires boaters to meet boating safety education compliance requirements. Learn about the state specific boating laws that pertain to operator age, personal flotation devices, emergency equipment and navigation.

Boating rules and regulations are put into effect to protect all those who use state waterways. The boating regulations for each state will vary, so know the boating license Virginia boat laws before you leave the dock.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

You will be required to pay a boat registration fee when you submit your license application. However, registration fees are important since the funds collected help contribute to the conservation of state waterways. Find boating license and renewal links in this section.

VIRGINIA BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

All vessels used on public waterways with any kind of motor must be titled and registered.
If your Virginia registration has expired you may use the “Boat Title and Registration” form to renew your registration.
Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard are required to have state registration and title.

VA BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

Virginia has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe.

VA BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

RESPONSIBLE BOATING STARTS WITH YOU

Learn how to take care of your crew and your boat, while also taking care of our valuable water resources.

BOATING AND WATER SAFETY

BOATING SAFETY COURSES

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

VA BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) site.

ONLINE REGISTRATION RENEWAL