How do I title an untitled boat when I move to a state that requires titles?

rs2k

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
486
How do I transfer a boat with no title from a state that will not touch boat titles to a state that requires boat titles when I move?

I don't think I can use a titling company because my state won't do the required follow up to get the title in my name. Does this mean my only option is to wait till after I move and then use a titling company and then get the title transferred into my name in the new state?
 

JGra

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2009
Messages
222
Re: How do I title an untitled boat when I move to a state that requires titles?

I am going through almost the same thing here in South Carolina. I am trying to register a small john boat and motor I bought about 15 years ago. I got it fixed up and ready to go but can not use it. I have a signed and notorized bill of sale but thats good enough for them. I found out the person I purchaced it from 15 years has passed away about 3 years ago. I have been going through 5 weeks of filling out forms and tons of red tape and still do not have a registered boat. They insist on having the old resigstation from the state it was last registered in (was not SC). The SCDNR people down here are nothing but down right RUDE!!!! and NASTY!!!!! and talk to you like your are a piece of crap. Another fine example of our goverment working for the people. I am so glad my tax dollars keep them employed. I am to the point where I am going to use one of the title service in order to get it legal. I have checked one out they seem to have a good reputation and are a member of the BBB. Good luck with yours. For you sake I hope your not moving to South Carolina!!!!!.
 

rs2k

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
486
Re: How do I title an untitled boat when I move to a state that requires titles?

I'm very sorry to hear that. The government forgets that they work for us, hence the term "un"civil servant. Unfortunately, they think it's the other way around.

If I were you I think I might use the titling service. I would like to have the title in my own state, but my state simply refuses to touch boat titles. It's very easy to register a boat though, all you need is a hand written bill of sale with a hull id, a price, and two signatures.
 

JGra

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2009
Messages
222
Re: How do I title an untitled boat when I move to a state that requires titles?

I have all that ready to go. I wish that was all I needed down here. I would be on the water drowing some worms. I could proubally get a stolen car registered here eaiser than this 25 year old $300.00 john boat. What state do you live in? It might be just as easy for me to drive there and register it. I am at the point where anything is possible.
 

rs2k

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
486
Re: How do I title an untitled boat when I move to a state that requires titles?

I'm in Kansas. To them, boat titles don't exist. A registration is also good for three years.
 

JGra

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2009
Messages
222
Re: How do I title an untitled boat when I move to a state that requires titles?

That sure is a long way to go. You never know though
 

Yachtsman1304

Seaman
Joined
Mar 2, 2009
Messages
67
Re: How do I title an untitled boat when I move to a state that requires titles?

Most states will let you sign an affidavit that says you own the boat and will then let you get a title. In Michigan we have to get a VIN inspection (done by a police officer), they sign the form that says all is good (it is not stolen) and off you go.

You might be better off talking to a DNR officer if you get a hold of one.
 

idrownworms

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 7, 2008
Messages
224
Re: How do I title an untitled boat when I move to a state that requires titles?

Last boat I bought was from michigan and apparently all they need is a registration. I just took the old registration and bill of sale to the bmv had a police officer come out and confirm it was indeed a boat and they sent me a new title.
 

jollymon

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 2, 2002
Messages
293
Re: How do I title an untitled boat when I move to a state that requires titles?

RS2K,

Your boat should be easy to title, and register in a title state. You take your current registration from the state you are leaving to the DMV, or whatever agency handles it for your new state. They should be able to create a title for it. The DMV will know that the state you are coming from does not title boats.



JGRA has a differnet problem, he does not have a title or a current registration. Also the boat has not been registered for 15 years.
 
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