What is a boat title?

Do all types of boats require a title and registration?

Check your state’s requirements, as titling varies by state. Generally, motorized vessels or boats longer than a certain length will need to be titled.

The larger the vessel, the higher the registration fee tends to be, but some boats don’t need to be registered at all. Small watercraft like canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards still need to be registered in a handful of states, so be sure to check the registration requirements where you live.

How to get a boat title

There are four steps to getting a boat title:

1. Find out how to register a boat in the state where you will be operating the boat.
2. Complete a registration form, either online, through the mail, or in person.
3. Provide proof of ownership as needed, such as a bill of sale. You may need to present this to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
4. Pay the registration fee, which will vary by state and by the size of your boat.

How do you get a title for a boat that doesn't have one?

If you have a boat that doesn't yet have a title, you’ll first need to contact the DMV to prove ownership. This can mean showing a loan payoff for the boat through the company you purchased it from or a bill of sale through a private party. Keep in mind that if you’re financing your boat, your lender will likely hold on to the boat’s title/proof of ownership until the loan repayment is complete.

You may be able to register your boat without a title, but it varies by state and type of watercraft. In some states, a bill of sale is enough for proof of purchase to register a boat. In other states, you must show a title to register a boat.

How to transfer a boat title

Just like the registration process, the steps to transfer the boat title from one person to another will differ from state to state. However, most states have similar requirements. The seller needs to fill out the transfer information on the back of the title and sign it. In some states, this step must be notarized.

After you transfer the boat title, fill out an application for a title at the relevant government agency, and pay any necessary fees that come with transferring the title. You may also need to pay sales tax to the state if you're buying the boat from a private seller.

In addition to titling and registering your boat, obtaining a boat insurance policy may be a critical part of buying a boat. Learn more about how boat insurance works and if you need boat insurance.

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