Advice To Save You Time And Money
It is important to understand the rules BEFORE you buy aboat, especially a used one that may not have all the paperwork needed to satisfyyour states requirements. Otherwise, you run the risk of spending your hard-earnedmoney not on the jon boat of your dreams but on your own personal Titanic.
There are many reasons why a title may not accompany yourused jon boat. Many of these situations can be ultimately resolved in yourfavor, however there are some cases which will be impossible to resolve and theonly way to obtain registration is to first obtain a legal title for the jon boat.
Although these circumstances are rare, they do happen andcould cost your far more in both time and money than your perfect jon boat isreally worth. Our advice to you is toalways make every effort to obtain the proper paperwork, including title if onehas been issued, at the time of purchase.
Buyer Registers The Boat
In most States, the buyer is required to immediately register the boat after the sale has been completed. This is commonly completed by providing the State with the signed bill of sale and title forms along with any registration documents. Depending on the State, there may be a sales tax which is required to be paid at this time. If the seller accepted partial responsibility for it, it still must be paid by the buyer.
Who Keeps The Bill Of Sale
When a boat bill of sale is signed, both the buyer and the seller should receive a copy of the completed document. They should then be kept by both parties for a period of up to one year, in case any disputes arise from the transaction. This will also help the new owner properly register the vessel with their state government.
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Is It Worth Trying
This is a question that comes up often, and one which can not be easily answered. Whether or not it is worth attempting to register a boat without first obtaining a title is a question very specific to your own situation.
Depending upon the reason there is no title available the recourse can vary greatly and it may simply come down to whether or not you have the time and money to address the possible scenarios.
If you have the ability to contact the last owner and obtain a duplicate it is a matter of a few day, maybe a week, until you are on the water. On the other hand, if you are buying a deal that is too good to be true, without paperwork or even a name/address for the last owner, chances are there is a problem. The more complex the problem the more likelihood it will not end in your favor.
What About Homemade Boats
Most states hold homemade boats to the same standard asmanufactured boats of a similar length in terms of registration and titling.Although some states still provide a registration to a homemade boat fewrequire them to be titled. Generally, you will be required to show, driverslicense, receipts for parts and inspection by a licensed marine surveyor.
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Listing The Boat For Sale
The first question to ask yourself is, do I need a broker?
Hiring a Broker Generally, if the boat will be selling for more than $40,000 then its best to hire a broker at a local marina. They will not only list it for the fair market value but also clean the boat and presentable to potential buyers.
Selling it Yourself If the value is under $40,000 then its advised to sell the boat yourself. Most brokers will not accept a boat lower than this amount.
In either case, if the seller decides to list the boat on their own its best to use the following websites :
Before you even think about listing your boat online or with a broker, its a good idea to clean and brush up your boat, whether thats by making cost-worthy repairs or by hiring a cleaning service to give your boat the best opportunity to sell. First impressions can go a long way.
How To Apply For Boat Titles For Boats With A Title
Each state has different specific requirements regarding titling applications, but there are some things you will most likely need before you can title your boat in any state.
1) Original Title. No matter if you are applying in the state of purchase or a new state, you will need the original title from the issuing state. Somewhere on the title, there is a place to sign the title over from buyer to seller.
Make sure when you purchase a boat that the seller signs the title over to you properly.
It is best to have the title notarized when completing this step. Some states require all signed over titles to be notarized, while, in some situations, this may not be required.
2) Bill of Sale. This is another item that is not always required, but it is best to have a notarized original bill of sale. You will need this if you buy a boat in a non-titling state, you are titling a new boat, or you are transferring the title to a new state.
3) Pencil Rubbing/Tracing or Photo of Hull Identification Number. The HIN is normally found on the transom of the boat and is permanently affixed or etched in the hull.
If the boat has never been titled in your state, you will need a photo or tracing of the number to go with your application.
4) Previous Registration Card. In some situations, you must present a registration card to title a boat. This is particularly important if you purchased a boat in a non-titling state and are moving it to a titling state.
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Title Or Register Your Boat
You must register with LDWF all motorized vessels/watercraft, including sailboats 12 feet or longer, used in Louisiana waters. You much also register non-motorized houseboats.
You must title a boat or outboard motor that is financed or currently titled in another state when youre registering it in Louisiana, a homemade boat, or a boat that has an incorrect hull identification number.
How do I register my boat?
For motorized boats, complete a Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application and submit it, along with original notarized documentation demonstrating boat ownership , any other documents required for the special cases listed below, and a check, cashiers check, or money order for applicable fees.
For non-motorized houseboats, complete and submit a Non-Motorized Houseboat Registration Application, along with the Affidavit of Ownership of a Non-Motorized Houseboat, and pictures of the houseboat.
Apply either in person at LDWF Headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge during normal business hours, 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, or by mail to:LDWF Attn: Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application PO Box 14796
If you have not received your registration certificate and decals within 45 days of applying, please call .
How much does registration cost?
Motorized Boats
| For each foot greater than 38 | Add $2 per foot |
How do I renew my boat registration?
Apply:
Renewal fees are the same as registration fees .
How do I transfer ownership of my boat?
Q: What Is So Important About The Hull Identification Number
A: All Massachusetts boats must have an approved Hull Identification Number in order to be registered and/or titled. The HIN is unique to each boat, which allows the full history of the vessel to be traced from the manufacturer forward. The HIN is designed so that tampering will cause clear and permanent damage to the boat’s hull, so it is critical in all stolen boat investigations. A vessel shall not operate on the State’s waters unless the vessel displays the assigned HIN affixed by the manufacturer as required by the US Coast Guard, pursuant to Title 33 CFR, Part 181, Subpart C – manufacturer requirements, but OLE may issue HIN’s for homemade boats and any manufactured vessel that does not have an assigned HIN. The number contains at least 12 characters and is permanently mounted or engraved on the upper right corner of the transom. Federal regulations require that the number is also placed in a second location which varies by manufacturer and model. If applicable, at the time of registration, your boat will be assigned a HIN . You will be given instructions on how to place this HIN on your boat. You must provide proof, to the registration office, of the HIN placement on your boat before you will receive your registration card and decal.
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How Do I Transfer Ownership Of A Watercraft
If the watercraft is not titled, simply complete the back of your watercraft registration. If you have lost the registration, then a complete bill of sale with the year, make, hull identification number, MC registration number and the names and addresses of the buyer and seller may be used to transfer ownership.
If the watercraft is titled, a properly assigned title must be used to transfer ownership. If the title and/or registration are lost, a duplicate can be acquired by the owner from any Secretary of State branch office. Without a properly assigned title, registration or bill of sale, a court order or surety bond would be needed to transfer the ownership. For more information contact your local Secretary of State branch office or the Michigan Department of State, Driver and Vehicle Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH .
Related Documents & Topics
Titling And Registering Boats Vessels And Outboard Motors
You have 60 days from the date of purchase to title your newly purchased boat, vessel, or outboard motor. If you do not title the boat, vessel, or outboard motor there is a title penalty of $10 on the 61st day after purchase. The penalty increases another $10 for every 30 days you are late with a maximum penalty of $30.
- An original paid personal property tax receipt or a statement of non-assessment from your county of residence for the previous year must be presented when registering or renewing a boat or vessel registration.
- All motorized boats or vessels and any sailboats longer than 12 feet must be titled and registered.
- Amphibious vehicles are considered boats or vessels.
- All outboard motors, except trolling motors and electric outboard motors, must be titled and registered.
When the boat or vessel is titled and registered, you will receive:
When the outboard motor is titled and registered, you will receive a decal.
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Check Boat History Before You Buy
In the state of South Carolina, the law requires all motorized boats and watercraft, except exempted vessels, sailboats, and all outboard motors five horsepower and greater to be titled. By law we must have your completed application and other required documents, which vary by purchase or selling situation, to title and register your boat and/or motor.
If you are selling a boat and/or motor in South Carolina:
You must be the titled owner. If you are not listed as the owner of the title, you must complete the application process with SCDNR prior to the sale.
If you have purchased a boat or motor that has ever been titled and/or registered in South Carolina:
If you have purchased a boat or motor out-of-state or from a SCDNR permitted marine dealer:
Property taxes will be billed by your county after being titled and/or registered with SCDNR.
Once purchased, your boat and/or motor may be used 60 days from the date of purchase, even with expired or out-of-state decals.
If you have questions about boat titling and registration, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any questions about your property taxes, please contact your county tax office.
Most Common Titling and Registration Situations:
How To Register A Boat In Florida With No Title
What to do if you want to sell a boat but dont have the title
In the state of Florida, you must register your boat with a title in most instances. A purchaser of a new or used vessel has 30 days in which to do this. Failure, according to the Florida motor vehicles and tag/titles department is a 2nd degree misdemeanor. Does this mean that if you do not have a title that you cannot operate the vessel legally or sell your vessel? Not necessarily. There are exemptions from titling as well as some methods for gaining a title for registration. Here is what you need to know if you need to know how to register a boat in Florida with No title.
Are there exemptions from Titling a boat in Florida?
There are exemptions for titling. These exemptions are that the boat is non-motorized and less than 16 feet long. If it has an outboard motor, even a singular low HP it must be titled. If the vessel is owned by the U.S. Government or if the vessel is Federally documented it does not need a title. A boat which is deemed as Amphibious by the DHSMV and have a vehicle title do not need a boat title. Any boat which is used only for demonstration, testing, or sales promotional purposes by a dealer or manufacturer does not need a title.
The only other exemptions are vessels issued a valid registration certificate and numbers by other states and vessels which are used exclusively on private lakes and ponds.
What if the boat is from out of state?
What about lifeboats?
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Boat Is Registered In Another State
From a vessel title state: Buyer should obtain a detailed bill of sale from the seller and the original out of state title showing transfer to their name, and the original state registration card if available. All transfers of ownership must be on the title.
From a non-title state: Buyer should obtain a detailed bill of sale from the seller and the original state registration card. The seller should be the owner if record in that state, and if not bills of sale back to the owner of record must be submitted.
All are Title States/Territories except those below.
Non-Title States and Territories :
- Alabama
Exempt From The Titling Requirement
These do NOT need a title:
- vessels documented by the US Coast Guard
- canoes and kayaks
- watercraft less than 14 feet in length without a permanently affixed mechanical means of propulsion
- watercraft less than 14 feet in length with a permanently affixed mechanical means of propulsion of less than 10 horsepower
- ship’s lifeboat
- boats owned by government agencies
- motors less than 10 horsepower
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What Is A Bill Of Sale
A bill of sale is a document that legally transfers ownership and can also contain various warranties on the boat. This document contains some key information as listed below
- Names and addresses of the seller and buyer as well as their signatures.
- Signature by a notary if required.
- Purchase price & date of sale.
- Detailed boat information like the hull I dentification number , the make, model, colorand condition.
- If any accessories are sold with the boat, then these will also be indicated here.
When you buy a boat make sure that you get a bill of sale.
It will be absolutely critical if you will want to obtain a title for the boat.
This document does not need to have a specific template and format but needs to include all the information required in your state. If you are unsure an attorney can assist with drawing up a bill of sale or you can easily find a template online.
However, beware that a bill of sale is not always enough to get a boat titled.
In fact, if the boat was previously titled and the person selling it does not have the title or is not the original owner then it could be that the boat stolen, or the title documentation is simply lost.
Either way, it can be a real hassle to get a title for a boat without a title.
Ask the seller for the boats registration number or HIN.
If they are unwilling to give this to you the this is a pretty large red flag and you might want to not proceed with the purchase.
How do you get a title for a boat with a bill of sale?
When Is A Bill Of Sale Needed
Customers may use a bill of sale to transfer vehicle ownership in very limited circumstances as outlined below. A bill of sale cannot be used to transfer vehicle ownership for a vehicle that requires a certificate of title by law.
The customer may present a Bill of Sale – State Form 44237 or similar document as proof of vehicle ownership only in the following circumstances:
- A person is voluntarily applying for a certificate of title for a vehicle that is not required to be titled under Indiana law.
- The prior owner was not required to obtain a certificate of title.
- For vehicles purchased with a bill of sale from an out of state seller, the purchaser must contact the motor vehicle agency in the state where they purchased the vehicle to determine if the vehicle was required to be titled.
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