Boats are one of the few forms of property that can be titled. So, do boats have titles? Yes, they do.
Boats come in all shapes and sizes, but they can only prove their ownership with the help of a boat title. The process of voluntarily titling your boat is relatively easy; however, it may not apply to every state or location where you live. Check out local regulations before making this decision for yourself by contacting your boating department.
What is a boat’s title?
There is a lot of confusion about what title means when it comes to boats. A boat has its own title and you need one if you want to sell or trade-in your vessel.
Sometimes people mistakenly think they only need the registration number (which proves ownership) but this isn’t sufficient for lenders who require an official document proving clear ownership before granting loans.
Titles are usually purchased once per vessel; however, some states will allow owners with multiple vessels registered under their name to purchase separate titles depending on which state they reside in.
Why do you need a boat title?
Boat titling is a legal process to ensure that you are buying what the seller says they own. A boat title can help protect your purchase by providing proof of ownership, so if there’s ever any question about who really owns it, later on, you have documentation to show for it.
It also protects against fraud and scams because, without clear evidence of ownership, someone could buy the same boat twice.
It’s best to have your title in hand before you buy or sell, lest you want the hassle of dealing with all the paperwork and bureaucracy that comes along with transferring titles.
How to get a boat title?
If you think that your boat is subject to national registration, or if it’s been documented and registered with a state agency, then the title should be available through the National Vessel Documentation Center. They’ll have all of the information on file for every vessel in America – including yours. You can either give them a call or go online and order an abstract of title for just about any kind of boat.
Do boats have 2 titles?
This is where the inboard/outboard distinction comes into play. If you want to buy an outboard boat, you’ll need two titles – one for your boat and another for your motor. If you were looking at an inboard boat, then these are considered singular items because they can function on their own without any additional parts needed.
Do you need a title for a boat motor?
You need a title for an outboard motor because the boat has a separate motor. You only need a single title for an inboard boat because it does not have a separate motor.
The title for an outboard motor is like the proof of ownership for your motor. It does not prove the ownership of your boat.
If you don’t have a title for your outboard motor, it’s going to be hard to prove that the one in your boat belongs to you.
Can a boat be registered without a title?
Technically, yes. You don’t need a title to register your vessel in the state of primary use. However, it’s not recommended because you won’t have the same legal protections as someone who has their boat titled.
A boat can be registered without a title in some states, but it might not always be the best decision. If you’re looking to buy or sell a boat and the authorities want to know who is responsible for it, you’ll need a title.
How to get a title for a boat without a title?
If you need to get a title for your boat without one, the best place to start is at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Every state has different laws about titling boats so it’s important that you learn how this process works in order to avoid fines or other legal issues.
The DMV will have all the necessary paperwork and forms that are required by law, but they might also require an original bill of sale from the seller as well as any applicable taxes paid for on top of their fees before issuing a new boat title certificate.
So if you’re looking for some peace of mind when buying a boat, make sure you get all of the necessary paperwork so that your investment will last. You’ll also want to ask if your state does boat title transfers online so you can minimize waiting time at the DMV.
Can you transfer a boat title online?
Yes, you can transfer a boat title online and it does save time. But make sure that your state actually does boat title transfers this way before wasting your time.
You may be able to do it online or by mail depending on what state your boat is registered in. Simply sign in to your account at GoWild.WI.Gov and fill out the form for an updated Certificate of Title application by mail or in person with any supporting documents mailed in separately.
Do boats have titles in New York state?
If you are in New York, be careful about what type of boat you have. A motorized watercraft must be registered regardless of its size or the size of the engine used to power it. Non-motorized vessels do not need to register in the state of New York.
So, if you’re a New Yorker and need a boat, the best option for you is to buy one that has no motor. That way, your vessel won’t require registration. Of course, this isn’t going to work if you want a motorboat (electric or fuel-driven).
Do you need a title for a boat in Michigan?
A boat is one of the most expensive purchases you’ll ever make, so it’s important to understand how owning a watercraft in Michigan can impact your financial situation.
If you have a boat that is 20 feet or longer, and/or has a permanently affixed engine, it must be titled. However, if your watercraft doesn’t fall into these categories but you still want to title it anyway for some reason (maybe because of the cool factor?), you can.
Bottom Line
Boats do have titles, but not the kind you’re thinking of. Boat names are typically given to boats by their owners or captains and can be anything from a favorite song lyric to an inside joke between friends. The title often reflects the owner’s personality in some way.
