Always get confused on Titles

[SkiDad]

I'm looking at a project boat 2 hours from me - it just happens to be in the next state over since I'm close to the border. The guy has the titles - what do i need to have him do so that it's all legit for when I get back to my home state. Is this going to fly on a Saturday ? I apologize if this is simple I just haven't bought many vehicles or boats in the last 10 years.

 

[GA_Boater]

I would check with the boat's home state DNR or whatever agency titled the boat and trailer. Some states only need a title signed on the back in the transfer section and some require notarization. Make sure what the home state requires works in your state.

 

[BigDfromTN]

Check out what is needed in YOUR state. Be sure and get that. Whether it be a bill of sale, signed title, or both.

Here in TN, Its bill of sale only. Boats don't have titles.

 

[fhhuber]

well.. being paranoid.... check the laws of both states... get the paperwork as if dealing with the one that wants the most.
Copy it ALL. The worst paperwork issue is not having what you need.

Plan on paying sales tax when you register the boat. Texas charges full retail sales tax equivalent, plus the boat registration fee. There may or may not be added fees due to the change of state.

You'll have to scrape the old state's registration numbers and sticker(s) then apply the ones the new state assigns.

 

[Newbie@boats]

Here in CT they do NOT title boats they will title trailers over a certian weight. My boat is registered and trailer in CT I just have registrations for both NO titles.

My ATV trailer has a title because the GVWR is over the weight for titles.

I bought my boat from NY went to the DMV with the NY title and they did NOT need it, she told me to keep it....every state is different. Stop by the dmv Saturday morning and ask what you'll need. Getting a title is never a bad thing.

In CT to register the boat all I needed was a bill of sale from the seller-but the seller MUST be the last registered owner. So I kept the NY title with all the titles to my vehicles/power sports

 

[GA_Boater]

It would help if SkiDad told what states are involved. So far we have CT, TX and TN. I might as well add GA - No boat titles and trailers of a certain age are not titled.

Only 44 more to go. AK and HI are omitted because they have no state next door.

 

[SkiDad]

sorry about that - i live in OH - looking at a boat in PA

 

[GA_Boater]

sorry about that - i live in OH - looking at a boat in PA

Thanks for cutting the list down. :smile:

 

[dwco5051]

sorry about that - i live in OH - looking at a boat in PA

Pennsylvania boat and trailer titles are the same as far as signing them over to a purchaser.

#1 The seller fills out the top section completely

#2 The buyer fills out the second section completely.

#3 If there is lien on the boat or trailer the lender must sign off. It seems that the seller has both titles in hand so that will not apply in this case. The lender normally keeps physical possession of the titles if money is still owed on the loan.

After the top two sections are notarized you take the titles with you to Ohio.

Sorry I am not familiar with what you do when you get to Ohio but you have fulfilled all you need for the Pennsylvania part.

 

[JonBrown]

I buy boats for my shop out of state all of the time. I always if it is a outboard get a bill of sale for the trailer,outboard motor or motors and boat hull.
In Texas we have to have titles for each and it is a pain to not have a title. And the bill of sale backed with a title saves you some embarrassment if a item comes back stolen or such. And you will have a legal standing to get your money back. And also I exchange a photo of DL with the seller to ID he is who he says.
It is horrible to get home 2 hours or 2 days away and find your property is stolen or leaned against. You loose it all. This is my way of doing it. I hope this helps.
Jon

 

[Old Ironmaker]

I'm so glad it is so simple here in Canada. Boat titles and registration are Federal, making it the same in each Province. Trailers registration is Provincial any vary. You pay the 13% Harmonized sales tax to the Feds for the boat and motor only, if they send you a bill. I never got one for the boat I bought 7 years ago. They must be too busy letting in refugees from The Middle East. You get a separate receipt for the trailer from the previous owner so you only pay the 13% HST on the value of the trailer.

 

[dwco5051]

I buy boats for my shop out of state all of the time. I always if it is a outboard get a bill of sale for the trailer,outboard motor or motors and boat hull.
In Texas we have to have titles for each and it is a pain to not have a title. And the bill of sale backed with a title saves you some embarrassment if a item comes back stolen or such. And you will have a legal standing to get your money back. And also I exchange a photo of DL with the seller toI I ID he is who he says.
It is horrible to get home 2 hours or 2 days away and find your property is stolen or leaned against. You loose it all. This is my way of doing it. I hope this helps.
Jon

I should have added that having a notarized bill of sale should be done at the same time as the titles are transferred. If Ohio requires a sales tax on registering it will expedite the process.

 

[SkiDad]

thank you all - that is helpful information!