Do I need a special bill of sale for a rebuilt yacht in Virginia?
Virginia requires a bill of sale for all private party vehicle sales. A rebuilt yacht may have additional disclosure requirements around condition, mileage, or title status.
Rebuilt vehicle bill of sale
Rebuilt Yacht Bill of Sale Virginia
Selling a rebuilt yacht in Virginia? Rebuilt or reconstructed title vehicle sale — generate the right bill of sale for your transaction.
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Selling a rebuilt yacht in Virginia
When selling a rebuilt yacht through a private party sale in Virginia, a bill of sale protects both the buyer and seller by documenting the transaction details and the vehicle's condition at the time of sale.
Legal considerations for rebuilt vehicles in Virginia
Virginia requires any seller of a rebuilt vehicle to provide the buyer with a completed Rebuilt Vehicle Disclosure Statement (VSA 59) before the sale. The rebuilt brand is permanent on the title under § 46.2-1605. To obtain the rebuilt title, the owner must first pass a Virginia state inspection, then mail Form LES 022A along with parts receipts, a pre-repair photo, and a $125 examination fee to the Vehicle Branding Work Center so a DMV Special Agent can schedule the rebuilt vehicle examination.
Required disclosures
Virginia Code § 46.2-1602(A)(4) states it is unlawful to sell a rebuilt vehicle without first disclosing the rebuilt status to the buyer in writing. Form VSA 59 (Rebuilt Vehicle Disclosure Statement) must be completed and provided to the buyer prior to or at the time of sale. The bill of sale must reference the rebuilt title brand.
Virginia Required Form: VSA 59; LES 022A
Virginia requires Form VSA 59; LES 022A for rebuilt vehicle transactions. No additional state inspection is required.
Virginia steps for rebuilt vehicles
- Pass a Virginia annual state safety inspection at a station with no affiliation to the rebuilder
- Complete Form LES 022A (Request for Examination of Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle)
- Mail LES 022A with parts receipts, pre-repair photograph, title or VSA 56, and $125 examination fee to Vehicle Branding Work Center, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269-0001
- A DMV Special Agent will schedule the rebuilt vehicle examination
- Once the examination passes, the Vehicle Branding Work Center mails the rebuilt-branded title
- Provide the buyer with Form VSA 59 (Rebuilt Vehicle Disclosure Statement) before or at the time of sale
Buyer warning
A Virginia rebuilt title carries a permanent 'REBUILT' brand. The DMV examination verifies that no stolen parts were used and checks the VIN and documentation — it is not a comprehensive mechanical inspection and does not certify the quality of the rebuild. Request the parts receipts, pre-repair photographs, and the LES 022A examination results from the seller.
Virginia Yacht transfer fees and requirements
In Virginia, the title transfer fee is $15 and registration costs $30.75 - $35.75 per year. Yacht sales are subject to 4.15% motor vehicle sales and use tax (SUT). Virginia does not require notarization for private-party yacht transfers. Emission testing is required in Virginia — verify the yacht passes before completing the sale.
- 4.15% SUT applies to all vehicle sales
- Annual safety inspection required
- Emissions testing required in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads
- Title transfer within 30 days of purchase
Virginia sales tax on yacht purchases
Virginia has a 4.15% state sales tax rate. 4.15% motor vehicle SUT statewide. Private-party yacht sales in Virginia are subject to sales tax. Motor vehicle sales and use tax applies to all sales. The title transfer fee is $15.
Yacht market data and safety information
The most common yacht makes in private-party sales are Sea Ray, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Grady-White, Viking. Average private-party yacht prices range from $50,000–$500,000+. Yachts average 1 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Engine.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used yacht
Before completing a yacht bill of sale in Virginia, verify these safety items:
- Require a professional marine survey before purchase — standard practice for vessels over 26 ft
- Inspect engine hours, service records, and oil analysis reports
- Check hull condition with moisture meter and visual inspection below waterline
- Verify USCG documentation or state registration status
- Confirm life-raft service is current and EPIRB is registered/within battery date
- Verify USCG-required PFDs for max passenger count plus throwables and signals
- Test bilge alarm system and high-water sensors in each compartment
- Inspect fire-suppression system in engine room (FE-241 or equivalent)
Yacht insurance and depreciation in Virginia
Yacht insurance is 1–2% of hull value annually. Agreed-value policies are standard. Navigation limits and crew requirements affect premiums. Yachts depreciate 10–15% per year for the first 5 years. Well-maintained vessels from premium builders hold value best. Peak season for private yacht sales is fall/winter boat shows drive buyer interest for spring delivery, with an average of 90 days on market.
Yacht registration and titling
Yachts are classified as "USCG-documented vessel (over 5 net tons) or state-registered vessel" for registration purposes. Yachts are classified by length overall (LOA), not weight. Vessels over 65 ft may require a licensed captain. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to yachts.
Yacht title transfer rules
Yacht ownership transfer uses a Hull Identification Number (HIN). Yachts over 5 net tons are typically documented with the U.S. Coast Guard rather than state-titled. USCG documentation transfer requires filing with the National Vessel Documentation Center. USCG-documented yachts use a federal Certificate of Documentation and transfer through the National Vessel Documentation Center. State-titled yachts (uncommon for vessels this size) use state title transfer procedures.
Required disclosures for yacht sales in Virginia
When selling a yacht in Virginia, the following disclosures apply:
- USCG documentation status and any outstanding maritime liens — the Abstract of Title from the Coast Guard should be reviewed before purchase.
- Marine survey results (hull, engine, rigging) are standard practice for yacht transactions and should be referenced in the bill of sale.
- Slip or mooring transfer — marina agreements do not automatically transfer with the vessel and should be addressed separately.
Virginia bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 2,073 bill of sale documents for Virginia transactions, with 56 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
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Create Virginia Yacht Bill of SaleFrequently asked questions
What should I include when selling a rebuilt yacht?
Include buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers (VIN, year, make, model), sale price, date, signatures, and a clear description of the vehicle condition as rebuilt.
Is a rebuilt yacht bill of sale legally binding in Virginia?
Yes. A properly completed bill of sale is a legal document in Virginia. For rebuilt vehicles, disclosing the condition protects both buyer and seller.
What are the Virginia fees for transferring a rebuilt yacht?
Virginia charges a $15 title transfer fee. Registration costs $30.75 - $35.75 per year. Sales tax: 4.15% motor vehicle sales and use tax (SUT). Notarization is not required.
How much is a rebuilt yacht worth in a private sale?
Average private-party yacht prices range from $50,000–$500,000+. Rebuilt vehicles typically fall in the lower range. The most common makes are Sea Ray, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Grady-White, Viking.
What safety items should I check on a rebuilt yacht?
Require a professional marine survey before purchase — standard practice for vessels over 26 ft Inspect engine hours, service records, and oil analysis reports