Boat Title

[CrustyMono 6]

Looking for a jon boat. If the person does not have a title currently, is there any way to get one? Thanks...

[Way2slow 775]

Different states have different rules that apply.  You need to check with your State Game and Fish and see how you go about doing it.   Older boats that don't have VIN numbers, some just require an affidavit from the person selling it.  If it has a VIN, then it can get a lot harder.   When VIN numbers are on it, To save you a lot of trouble and possibly money, make the person that has it get a title.  That's the only sure you can title it.

[zachb34 158]

It depends on what state you're in and their laws. In general you have a few options depending on what happened to the title. If the boat is in the owners name, they have to get a replacement title before selling to you. If the boat has never been registered, you can get it registered with a manufacturer statement of origin and pay taxes on the retail price. If it's not in the owners name and they don't have the title you can apply for a homemade title which can be difficult and not the "right" way to do it, since the boat isn't truly homemade. 

[BobP 359]

In some states, NC for example, a title is required only if the boat is financed.  Otherwise, you only need a notarized bill of sale to transfer ownership and apply for a new registration.  NC includes a blank bill of sale with their registration certificates for the registered owner to use when selling the boat onward.  Check with your state's DNR or whatever agency registers boats for the rules in your case.

[S. Sass 1,469]

In Texas it can be a mess. I have a boat that the legal owner passed away his life long friend was given the boat (no title) since they fished out of it for 20 years the family said it was as good as his. Well after the boat had been used on a private lake for many years it was brought to the guys house as he had got a better boat for their private lake. He since sold me the boat and I have tried to reach the wife of the deceased who's name is on the title but she has long moved possibly to a nursing home or even passed away. 

So basically from everything I have found out it will never again be legal to tag without some sleight of hand deal. Even though everything is legit up to now. Im trying to get it registered again but all I get is the run around because I have no signed paperwork from a dead guy. 

[Bass Turd 435]

1 minute ago, S. Sass said:

In Texas it can be a mess. I have a boat that the legal owner passed away his life long friend was given the boat (no title) since they fished out of it for 20 years the family said it was as good as his. Well after the boat had been used on a private lake for many years it was brought to the guys house as he had got a better boat for their private lake. He since sold me the boat and I have tried to reach the wife of the deceased who's name is on the title but she has long moved possibly to a nursing home or even passed away. 

So basically from everything I have found out it will never again be legal to tag without some sleight of hand deal. Even though everything is legit up to now. Im trying to get it registered again but all I get is the run around because I have no signed paperwork from a dead guy. 

I found the process fairly painless here in Texas. I bought a boat from a guy who said he had the title. Turns out the title was from the previous owner and he never had it switched to his name. I went to the Texas Parks and Wildlife office (they title boats, motors and trailers) and asked them what I needed to do. They had me attempt to contact the person I bought it from with a certified letter. When it was returned to sender, as we thougt it would be, they issued me a new title for everything. I think there is also a list of stolen boat and motor serial numbers they check against. Have you gone to the TPW office? I had a bill of sale of course. 

[S. Sass 1,469]

No I didn't call the TPW I printed the forms out off their website and tried to follow the instructions. When I saw that wasn't going to work I talked to my local tax office where boats motors and trailers are titled here as the TPW office is 50 miles away so we do ours here locally. Technically they are the ones who sort of are passing the buck. 

Now that I see what you did I may go at it again. Thanks for sharing. 

[Way2slow 775]

Texas is actually pretty easy if it's old enough not to have a VIN number.  I have a 12' jon I registered in Texas.  This was an old boat I bought boat from a guy and didn't even get a bill of sale.  I told the game wardens it was just an old boat I used on my private pond in GA for many years and brought out there to fish the Resaca's with my son, and since we would be using a TM on it, I needed to get it registered.   I took the boat to their office, they looked at it, and I got it registered.  

[S. Sass 1,469]

4 hours ago, Way2slow said:

Texas is actually pretty easy if it's old enough not to have a VIN number.  I have a 12' jon I registered in Texas.  This was an old boat I bought boat from a guy and didn't even get a bill of sale.  I told the game wardens it was just an old boat I used on my private pond in GA for many years and brought out there to fish the Resaca's with my son, and since we would be using a TM on it, I needed to get it registered.   I took the boat to their office, they looked at it, and I got it registered.  

Mine is a 1972 Sea king 14/36. It has a VIN somewhere on the back. I actually had the VIN and guys name it was last registered to. But after the mess I went back and forth with the ladies at the tax office with I may have tossed that paper Ill have to look. I have a little more faith it may get done now if I just contact the TPW directly.