The boat you are looking at is exactly what you've been searching for. It's clean, well maintained, and most importantly, it's a bargain. Sadly, there, the boat has no title. Could it be a scam? Or are you lucky to have found a true treasure that only requires a little paperwork? How do you get a title for a boat without possessing the original title?
Depending on the state, there are different requirements for registering a boat without a title. For boats manufactured before a specific date or below a certain propulsion threshold or length, an original title is often not required for registration.
In many cases, boats must be registered and titled, like automobiles. Whether you're purchasing a boat, want to know the registration requirements, or own one but don't have a title, here's what you need to know.
Importance of a Boat Title
Boat dealers and buyers benefit from clear title transfers for the same reasons. They are confident their product is accurately represented to consumers. A boat title provides many benefits to the consumer, including:
- A title prevents purchasing a stolen or previously damaged vessel unknowingly.
- It ensures boats are not defective or dangerous.
- Consumers are assured their desired vessel has not been destroyed by a hurricane or otherwise totaled.
- It proves the seller is the rightful owner.
- A title guarantees a reasonable amount of financing is available, since when a boat has a title, banks are more likely to approve a loan. Consumers can finance their purchase, often giving them more buying power.
- It provides lower insurance premiums because the boat title reduces marine insurers' risk by reducing shoddy vessels and fraud.
- It can even help recover stolen vessels since law enforcement has another method of tracking stolen vessels when and where they are sold with the certainty of a title.
How to Get a Title for Your Boat Without a Title
Below are the minimum requirements for registering and obtaining a boat title. In some states, additional documentation may be required before a title can be issued. You can find out more about these requirements by contacting your local DMV.
1. Draft a bill of sale
As proof of transaction, a bill of sale form is required. The bill of sale should include details such as the hull identification number (HIN), vessel color, date of purchase, and price.
2. Create a detailed invoice
The detailed invoice should include the following details about the boat:
- Vessel dimensions
- The boat's loose items, such as skis, ropes, and personal flotation devices
- Size, make, and horsepower of the engine
- Trailer details
Both parties should sign the detailed invoice. Most states require the notarization of this document.
3. Document the state of the title
Provide a color photo ID, proof of the HIN number (photo or receipt), a tax clearance certificate, and any other state documents required.
4. Pay fees
It can cost anywhere from $5.25 to $15.00 to title a boat. There may be outstanding fees from the previous owners that are not included in this calculation. These four steps must be followed for a boat with no title, but each state's process will differ.
States with Special Titling Requirements
The requirements for obtaining a title for a boat without one vary by state. Contact your state DMV for detailed instructions on how to title your boat. Furthermore, titling documentation requirements can and do change frequently.
State laws require notarized bills of sale, but this has also changed in recent years.
Mississippi and Idaho are two states that allow you to title or not title your boat. Below are some States with Special Titling Requirements, but it's best to check with your local DMV for specific requirements.
- Michigan: Boats with permanent engines require titling (MCL § 324.80124/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-324-80124)).
- California: Titles are only required if a boat is also registered.
- Kentucky: Boats used in public require a title; boats kept on private property do not (KY Rev Stat. § 235.030)
- Indiana: If purchased before January 1986 by an Indiana citizen, it is treated as a lifeboat for a ship, valued at less than $3000 at purchase, and intended for commercial use only.
- Maryland: In addition to being registered, a boat must also be titled.
- Pennsylvania: Boats with inboard or outboard motors, 14 feet or longer, or titled in another state with Pennsylvania as the primary state of use (PA Code §§ 93.101 to 93.119) .
Difference Between Titling and Registration of a Boat
The table below highlights some of the main differences between how a boat registration and a boat title operate:
| Boat Registration | Boat Title |
|---|---|
| Proves boat registration, and a card must be carried on board | Serves as proof of ownership |
| Renewal required every two (2) years | Only needs to be purchase once |
| Allows boating in all 50 states as well as Canada | Lenders need titles to prove that the seller owns the boat |
| State of primary use is required for boat registration | Can only be issued by the Fish and Boat Commission |
Easy Way to Get a Boat Title
If you own a boat, you're in for plenty of fun, but it's crucial to ensure the sale is handled legally before you get out on the water. This requires a bill of sale from the seller. It is a legal document that transfers boat ownership, such as the title, and provides essential warranties.
Boat Bill of Sale Contents
A boat bill of sale is a detailed record of the sale. Receipts or invoices contain only the basics: price, description, and date. More detailed than a receipt, it provides proof of the sale of a boat, including:
- Buyer and seller's names and addresses
- Sale date
- Cost of purchase
- The make, model, year, color, condition, and hull identification number (HIN) of the boat
- The trailer, life jackets, cover, and other items sold along with the boat can be found here.
- Boat warranties offered by the seller
- Buyer and seller signatures
- Depending on your state, a notary signature
Make sure you have a Bill of Sale that conveys all the relevant information you may need.
Start your Boat Bill of Sale Now
Helpful Resources:
The boat you are looking at is exactly what you've been searching for. It's clean, well maintained, and most importantly, it's a bargain. Sadly, there, the boat has no title. Could it be a scam? Or are you lucky to have found a true treasure that only requires a little paperwork? How do you get a title for a boat without possessing the original title?
Depending on the state, there are different requirements for registering a boat without a title. For boats manufactured before a specific date or below a certain propulsion threshold or length, an original title is often not required for registration.
In many cases, boats must be registered and titled, like automobiles. Whether you're purchasing a boat, want to know the registration requirements, or own one but don't have a title, here's what you need to know.
Importance of a Boat Title
Boat dealers and buyers benefit from clear title transfers for the same reasons. They are confident their product is accurately represented to consumers. A boat title provides many benefits to the consumer, including:
- A title prevents purchasing a stolen or previously damaged vessel unknowingly.
- It ensures boats are not defective or dangerous.
- Consumers are assured their desired vessel has not been destroyed by a hurricane or otherwise totaled.
- It proves the seller is the rightful owner.
- A title guarantees a reasonable amount of financing is available, since when a boat has a title, banks are more likely to approve a loan. Consumers can finance their purchase, often giving them more buying power.
- It provides lower insurance premiums because the boat title reduces marine insurers' risk by reducing shoddy vessels and fraud.
- It can even help recover stolen vessels since law enforcement has another method of tracking stolen vessels when and where they are sold with the certainty of a title.
How to Get a Title for Your Boat Without a Title
Below are the minimum requirements for registering and obtaining a boat title. In some states, additional documentation may be required before a title can be issued. You can find out more about these requirements by contacting your local DMV.
1. Draft a bill of sale
As proof of transaction, a bill of sale form is required. The bill of sale should include details such as the hull identification number (HIN), vessel color, date of purchase, and price.
2. Create a detailed invoice
The detailed invoice should include the following details about the boat:
- Vessel dimensions
- The boat's loose items, such as skis, ropes, and personal flotation devices
- Size, make, and horsepower of the engine
- Trailer details
Both parties should sign the detailed invoice. Most states require the notarization of this document.
3. Document the state of the title
Provide a color photo ID, proof of the HIN number (photo or receipt), a tax clearance certificate, and any other state documents required.
4. Pay fees
It can cost anywhere from $5.25 to $15.00 to title a boat. There may be outstanding fees from the previous owners that are not included in this calculation. These four steps must be followed for a boat with no title, but each state's process will differ.
States with Special Titling Requirements
The requirements for obtaining a title for a boat without one vary by state. Contact your state DMV for detailed instructions on how to title your boat. Furthermore, titling documentation requirements can and do change frequently.
State laws require notarized bills of sale, but this has also changed in recent years.
Mississippi and Idaho are two states that allow you to title or not title your boat. Below are some States with Special Titling Requirements, but it's best to check with your local DMV for specific requirements.
- Michigan: Boats with permanent engines require titling (MCL § 324.80124/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-324-80124)).
- California: Titles are only required if a boat is also registered.
- Kentucky: Boats used in public require a title; boats kept on private property do not (KY Rev Stat. § 235.030)
- Indiana: If purchased before January 1986 by an Indiana citizen, it is treated as a lifeboat for a ship, valued at less than $3000 at purchase, and intended for commercial use only.
- Maryland: In addition to being registered, a boat must also be titled.
- Pennsylvania: Boats with inboard or outboard motors, 14 feet or longer, or titled in another state with Pennsylvania as the primary state of use (PA Code §§ 93.101 to 93.119) .
Difference Between Titling and Registration of a Boat
The table below highlights some of the main differences between how a boat registration and a boat title operate:
| Boat Registration | Boat Title |
|---|---|
| Proves boat registration, and a card must be carried on board | Serves as proof of ownership |
| Renewal required every two (2) years | Only needs to be purchase once |
| Allows boating in all 50 states as well as Canada | Lenders need titles to prove that the seller owns the boat |
| State of primary use is required for boat registration | Can only be issued by the Fish and Boat Commission |
Easy Way to Get a Boat Title
If you own a boat, you're in for plenty of fun, but it's crucial to ensure the sale is handled legally before you get out on the water. This requires a bill of sale from the seller. It is a legal document that transfers boat ownership, such as the title, and provides essential warranties.
Boat Bill of Sale Contents
A boat bill of sale is a detailed record of the sale. Receipts or invoices contain only the basics: price, description, and date. More detailed than a receipt, it provides proof of the sale of a boat, including:
- Buyer and seller's names and addresses
- Sale date
- Cost of purchase
- The make, model, year, color, condition, and hull identification number (HIN) of the boat
- The trailer, life jackets, cover, and other items sold along with the boat can be found here.
- Boat warranties offered by the seller
- Buyer and seller signatures
- Depending on your state, a notary signature
Make sure you have a Bill of Sale that conveys all the relevant information you may need.
Start your Boat Bill of Sale Now
Helpful Resources:
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