How to Get a Title for a Boat Without One

You’re the proud owner of a new boat… or are you?

The only way to prove your new boat is really yours is with its title. Without that, you may be able to show off pictures, but in many states, you can’t leave the dock.

Owning a boat without a title isn’t a fun situation to find yourself in, but if you do, don’t panic — you have options. Let’s look at how to get a title for a boat without one.

Why You Need a Title for a Boat

Just as it does for car ownership, a title officially and legally demonstrates that you own your boat. Alternative documents like bills of sale or previous registrations don’t necessarily serve the same function, and they may not always be available or complete. 

Proof of ownership via a proper title paves the way for:

• Registration: Proof of ownership is crucial for proper registration with many state authorities. Without a registration, you can’t legally operate the vessel, and you’ll be fined for violating this rule.
  
  
• Sale or Trade: A lack of title may impact selling or trading your boat down the line. For instance, a dealership won’t touch a boat without a title.
  
  
• Boat Insurance: Proof of ownership is necessary for getting boat insurance. If an insurance company doesn’t know with certainty who the actual owner is, it won’t take the risk of insuring the boat.
  
  
• Legal Protection: On the one hand, if you buy a boat from someone who doesn’t provide a title, you could end up in an ownership dispute. On the other hand, if you buy a boat without a title, you have no way of knowing whether the boat was stolen before you bought it. While you likely won’t be held liable for the crime, authorities could seize the vessel.

How to Get a Boat Title: Required Documents

To get a boat title for a boat without one, you’ll need thorough documentation and an understanding of state-specific regulations. You’ll likely have to do some digging, but don’t start the process without the following documents and information:

• A bill of sale confirming purchase details
• The hull identification number (HIN) and other details like the boat’s make, model, and year
• Any available prior registrations
• Serial numbers for the engine, generator, life raft, and other major components that may be registered
• Personal identification, like your driver’s license or passport, to confirm your identity
• Simple proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or lease agreement
• Documentation showing any liens have been cleared if the boat was previously owned by a bank or purchased with a loan
• Documentation of the boat’s history, including ownership changes and service records
• Inspection reports documenting the boat’s condition
• Required local and state application forms for titling your boat

How to Get a Title for a Boat Without One: Step by Step

While it can be complicated, the process of obtaining a title for a boat without one doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Gather and Verify Available Documentation

Collect as many of the documents listed above as you can. If you have trouble locating them, you can check public databases online using the vessel identification number. Otherwise, your DMV likely has registration records going back a decade or longer, but you might have to fill out forms or pay a small fee to access them.

2. Contact the Relevant Authority

Boat title requirements are different in each state, and different government agencies may be in charge of them. Find out whether to contact your DMV or another marine authority, then ask about specific requirements in your area. Depending on where you live, you may not need a title to register your vessel at all.

3. Submit Required Forms and Fees

Fill out and submit any required forms for boat titling. You’ll also have to pay a small fee, typically between $10 and $20. 

4. Get an Inspection

Make sure your boat and — crucially — its identification number are in good condition. If the VIN looks flimsy, it may have been added later, which could be a red flag. A formal inspection is useful in identifying whether the boat was previously totaled in a natural disaster, which can prohibit titling and complicate registration.

5. Complete the Registration

Your local authority will instruct you on how to complete the registration process and secure your boat title.

Alternate Boat Titling Solutions

If you can’t obtain a boat title traditionally, don’t lose hope. You may still be able to get the documentation you need by jumping over some additional hurdles. Consider the following methods:

Bonded Title

With proof of purchase and a few other verifications, you may obtain a bonded title. This involves buying a surety bond worth as much as the boat. If no ownership claims arise, it proves to the state and future owners that you rightfully own the boat, even without the original title.

Court-Ordered Title

Demonstrate proof of ownership in court by gathering all the documents you can. We’ve seen this method succeed firsthand with one of our students.

After inheriting a family boat from her grandfather, our student couldn’t locate the title or other proof of ownership. She decided to petition the court for a title. She gathered everything she had: as much evidence as she could find of her late grandfather’s ownership and a copy of his will. It was enough for the judge. The court granted an order that she used to secure an official title.

Previous Owner Statement

You can apply for a boat title using an officially notarized statement from the previous owner of the boat. However, you may not get very far if the previous owner never registered the vessel and also didn’t have a title.

Abandoned Boat Titling

Establishing ownership of abandoned boats can be complex and time-consuming, especially because you have to navigate local laws. Often, the process involves filling out official forms, paying a fee, and contacting the last known owner. If the previous owner doesn’t respond within a set amount of time, you can obtain a title.

Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin

If the original owner never registered or titled the boat, you can request a new statement of origin from the boat’s manufacturer. 

State-Specific Programs

Contact your DMV to learn more about any other local solutions for unique titling situations. Keep in mind that not every state’s DMV handles boat titling or registration. In some areas, you’ll contact agencies such as a state park or a department of natural resources instead.

How to Get a Title for a Boat Without One: Final Thoughts

Even if not all states require a title to register a boat, it’s always best to get a boat with its title when possible.

If you can’t, as in the case of inheritance mentioned above, or when claiming an abandoned boat, be prepared to roll up your sleeves and put on your detective hat. It may take some time and frustration, but you do have options for getting a title for a boat that doesn’t have one.

Once you’re a boat owner with a properly titled boat, why not become a boat captain as well? Learn more about captain’s license courses with Mariners today.