Getting a title for a boat has never been an easy process. The documentation and requirements are constantly changing and vary from state to state. In this article, we will give an example of the titling process and crucial information that will be necessary to secure your new boat.
How To Obtain A Title For A Boat Without A Title
The steps below are the minimum requirements to register and obtain a title for a boat. Each state has its own rules and regulations that may require extra documentation before a title is issued. Please get in touch with your local DMV for these requirements.
Step 1: Bill Of Sale
A bill of sale must be obtained as proof of transaction. The details on the bill of sale should include the Hull identification number, color of the vessel, date of purchase, and the price.
Step 2: Detailed Invoice
A detailed invoice should contain all the details of the boat with the following:
- The dimensions of the vessel
- All loose items included with the boat, e.g., skis, ropes, and personal floatation devices
- Engine size, make, and horsepower rating
- Trailer details
Both parties should sign the detailed invoice. In most States, this will have to be notarized.
Step 3: Titling State Documentation
For the last step, a color ID photo, proof of the HIN number (photo or receipt), TAX clearance certificate, and the respective State documents that may require to be completed.
Step 4: The Fees
The fees for titling a boat can vary from $5.25 to $15.00. This does not include any outstanding fees that the previous owners may have incurred.
These four steps are the basics that will be required to get the title for a boat without having a title, but this will vary between States.
How To Get The Title For A Boat That Does Not Have a Title
Getting a title for a boat without a title can be a little tricky, as each state has its requirements. So to get precise information on how to title your boat, it would be advised to contact your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The added frustration is that the titling documentation required can and does change regularly.
The one common document required by all states is a notarized bill of sale, but this too has changed over the previous few years.
There are two States, Mississippi, and Idaho, that give you a choice to either title your boat or not title. Below are the States with some title information, but please contact your local DMV to confirm the requirements.
| States that do not need titles for a boat | States that require titles for a boat | States that do require titles for boats over a certain length |
| Alaska Arizona Colorado Connecticut Delaware Georgia Hawaii Kansas Louisiana Maine New Hampshire North Dakota Tennessee Wyoming | Oklahoma Nevada South Carolina Illinois New Mexico Rhode Island Utah Washington West Virginia Wisconsin | Missouri (12 ft.) Montana (12 ft.) New Jersey (12 ft.) Oregon (12 ft.) South Dakota (12 ft.) Massachusetts (14 ft.) New York (14 ft.) Ohio (14 ft.) Texas (14 ft.) Minnesota (16 ft.) Vermont (16 ft.) Virginia (18 ft.) Michigan (20 ft.) |
Special Requirements
- Michigan – Only requires titling if the boat has a permanent engine.
- California – A boat only needs to be titled if it also needs to be registered.
- Kentucky – A boat in Kentucky only requires a title if it is to be used in public; however, it is exempt if used on private property.
- Indiana – If it was bought before January 1986 by an Indiana citizen; it is treated as a lifeboat for a ship; it was valued at less than $3000 when it was new or built for private usage, and it won’t be sold.
- Maryland – A boat is only required to be titled if it also has to be registered.
- Pennsylvania- Powered by an inboard motor, powered by outboard and is 14 feet or longer, currently titled in Pennsylvania, a boat titled in another state when Pennsylvania becomes the state of primary use.
Titling Vs. Registration Of A Boat
A registration card is issued to the owner of the boat, and it must accompany the boat at all times. Boat registration is not secure proof of ownership, where a title is. Lenders require boat titles to show proof of ownership and that the boat was legally purchased. Thus it is important to get the title from the seller with a notarized signature on the back.
How To Retrieve A Lost Boat Title From The Seller
If you are purchasing a boat and the seller claims to have lost the boat title, advise them to apply for a lost title replacement at their local DMV. This should be done before the sale is complete. Should the seller not be willing to get a replacement title, it should raise concerns from the buyer.
There are ways to confirm the registered owner; this can be done by getting the HIN (Hull Identification Number) and the boat’s registration number. With these numbers, the local DMV or Fisheries and Wildlife office can confirm ownership of the boat.
What If the Boat Has a Lien
The HIN and registration numbers can be used to identify if there are any Liens against the boat and any previous titles. A Lien is a debt or a claim for a boat; this could be due to financial obligations not being met by previous owners or other infringements. If this is the case, then simply walk away from the purchase.
If there is a debt attached to the boat, the owner will inherit this financial burden, as it is attached to the boat and not the person who created the debt.
The Importance Of A Bill Of Sale
A bill of sale is a legal paper that transfers ownership and can contain certain warranties on the boat. There is no set template for the bill of sale, but the following information should be represented on the document.
- Names and addresses of the seller and buyer and their signatures.
- Signature by a notary if required.
- Purchase price & date of sale.
- Detailed boat information like the hull identification number (HIN), the make, model, color, and condition.
- If any accessories are sold with the boat, then these will also be indicated here.
A bill of sale is not always enough to ensure that you obtain the boat title, but it will assist if the boat is later declared stolen.
Conclusion
Contact your state boating department or local DMV for information and assistance to obtain a title for a boat. Any boat can be voluntarily titled, but not all boats require it.
It is very important to get a bill of sale when purchasing a boat, as this will be required when registering or titling the boat. It is recommended that a title accompany any boat sale as it can be a nightmare to get one if it does not. Good luck.
Project “No Title, No Problem” Boating
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