If the boat's HIN (Hull Identification Number) has been removed, ground off, or appears altered — do not buy it and do not attempt to register it. A missing or altered HIN is a federal crime indicator for a stolen vessel. Contact your state's marine law enforcement if you already have the boat.
First: Identify Why There's No Title
The right solution depends on which situation applies to you:
- Pre-1972 vessel — Before federal HIN requirements, most states didn't title boats. No title may have ever existed.
- You're in a non-titling state — About 10 states don't issue boat titles. Your registration certificate IS your ownership document.
- Title was lost — The previous owner had one but lost it. Simplest fix: they apply for a duplicate title before selling to you.
- Title was never transferred — Paperwork chain broke somewhere. You need to trace back or use a bonded title process.
States That Don't Issue Boat Titles
In these states, registration is your proof of ownership — there is no separate title document. If you bought a boat previously registered here, the registration certificate is correct and sufficient:
| State | Title Issued? | Ownership Proof | Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | No Title | Bill of sale + ADF&G registration | AK Dept of Fish & Game |
| Arizona | No Title | AZ Game & Fish registration + bill of sale | AZ Game & Fish Dept |
| Arkansas | No Title | AGFC registration certificate | AR Game & Fish Commission |
| Connecticut | No Title | DEEP registration + bill of sale | CT DEEP |
| Hawaii | No Title | DLNR registration | HI DLNR Boating Div. |
| Idaho | No Title | ITD registration certificate | ID Transportation Dept |
| Maine | No Title | IFW registration | ME Inland Fisheries & Wildlife |
| Massachusetts | No Title | Environmental Police registration | MA Environmental Police |
| New Hampshire | No Title | Marine Patrol registration | NH Marine Patrol |
| Vermont | No Title | ANR registration certificate | VT Agency Natural Resources |
The Bonded Title Process
If your state issues titles but no title exists for your boat, a bonded title is the standard solution in most states. You purchase a surety bond that protects against future ownership claims, and the state issues a title marked "BONDED."
- Determine the boat's current market value. Use NADA Marine Appraisal Guide (free online), a written estimate from a marine dealer on letterhead, or a formal appraisal. The value determines your bond amount.
- Purchase a surety bond for 1.5×–2× the appraised value. Buy from a licensed surety company (not a regular insurance agent). Common providers: Surety Bonds Direct, JW Surety, Viking Bond Service, SuretyGroup.com. Cost typically $100–$300.
- Complete your state's title application form. Download from your state marine or DMV agency. Include all known vessel details: HIN, year, make, model, length, engine type and horsepower.
- Submit application + bond + bill of sale (if available) + title fee. Some states require submission to the DMV; others to wildlife/DNR agencies. See state guides below.
- Receive bonded title by mail. Processing time: 3–10 weeks depending on state. Once received, proceed to registration.
Bonded Title Details by State
| State | Title Fee | Bond Requirement | Bond Duration | Est. Processing | Submit To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $5.25 + $2.50/yr | 1.5× value | 3 years | 3–5 weeks | County Tax Collector |
| Texas | $13 | 1.5× value | 3 years | 4–6 weeks | County Tax Office |
| Georgia | $18 | 1.5× value | 3 years | 6–8 weeks | County Tag Office |
| Michigan | $15 | 2× value | 3 years | 6–10 weeks | SOS Branch Office |
| Ohio | $15 | 1.5× value | 3 years | 4–6 weeks | County Title Office |
| Tennessee | $11 | 1.5× value | 3 years | 3–5 weeks | TWRA / County Clerk |
| North Carolina | $15 | 1.5× value | 3 years | 4–6 weeks | DMV Titling Unit |
| Missouri | $11 | 1.5× value | 3 years | 4–8 weeks | MO Dept of Revenue |
| Alabama | $9.75 | 1.5× value | 3 years | 4–6 weeks | County Probate Office |
| Pennsylvania | $22.50 | 1.5× value | 3 years | 6–8 weeks | PA Fish & Boat Comm. |
When a Bill of Sale Alone May Be Enough
For vessels manufactured before November 1, 1972, most states allow registration with only a notarized bill of sale — no bonded title required. Pre-HIN boats often have no title in existence because none was ever issued.
- Tennessee (TWRA): Notarized bill of sale accepted for pre-1973 boats. Use Form TWRA-0173. Available at any TWRA regional office or twra.tn.gov.
- Alabama (ADCNR): Pre-1973 boats under 16 feet can register with bill of sale. No notarization required, but strongly recommended.
- Mississippi (MDWFP): Bill of sale + Affidavit of Ownership (Form WB-04) accepted for pre-1973 vessels.
- Kentucky: Form TC 96-182 (Affidavit of Ownership) accepted for pre-1972 boats.
- Indiana (DNR): Bill of sale accepted for pre-1973 boats under 14 feet. Notarization required.
Even when not strictly required, a notarized bill of sale ($5–$15 at any UPS Store or bank) eliminates the #1 reason applications get rejected. Include HIN, year, make, model, LOA, engine details, sale price, date, and both parties' signatures.
Inherited Boats
If a boat was left to you, the process depends on whether an estate was probated:
- With probate court order: Bring Letters Testamentary or the court order plus a completed title transfer form. Accepted in all states.
- Small estate affidavit (no probate): Florida threshold is $75,000; Texas is $75,000; Michigan is $15,000. Below these thresholds, a notarized small estate affidavit substitutes for probate.
- No will, no probate, boat worth >threshold: You'll need a probate attorney. Cost: $500–$2,000+ depending on complexity and state.
Detailed Example: Georgia
Georgia is a model for the Southeast — the DNR process is well-documented and can be completed entirely at your county tag office:
- Download Form DNR 2090 from georgiawildlife.com or pick it up at any county tag office.
- Get a value estimate: NADA Marine appraisal printout is accepted, or a signed dealer estimate on letterhead.
- Purchase surety bond for 1.5× value from any licensed surety company.
- Submit Form 2090 + bond certificate + $18 title fee + Georgia TAVT (3% of purchase price) to your county tag office — all in one visit.
- Bonded title arrives by mail in 6–8 weeks. Georgia DNR processes in Social Circle, GA.
- Return to tag office with bonded title to complete registration. Fees: $15 base + $5–$50 depending on vessel length.
Georgia is one of a handful of states where the county tag office handles the entire bonded title and registration process — you never need to visit a DNR office. This saves 1–2 weeks vs. mailing directly to DNR.
What About a Lien on the Boat?
If the previous owner borrowed money against the boat, a lien may still be recorded. You cannot get a clear title until it's resolved:
- Contact the lienholder to confirm the loan status — sometimes liens aren't released after payoff
- Get a written lien release letter and submit with your title application
- If the lienholder is gone or unresponsive, a quiet title court action is typically required (3–6 months, $500–$2,000)
See our full guide: How to Clear a Lien on a Boat Title.
Free Download: No-Title Boat Registration Checklist
Printable checklist with state-specific form numbers, agency contacts, and submission addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically 4–10 weeks from submission. Florida and Tennessee tend to be faster (3–5 weeks); Michigan and Georgia run 6–10 weeks. If you need to use the boat before the title arrives, Florida issues a temporary operation permit (Form HSMV 87002, valid 30 days, $1.50). Most other states don't have a comparable permit.
Yes — a bonded title is a fully legal title. The buyer receives the bonded title. After 3 years with no ownership claims against the bond, most states automatically issue a clean title (or issue one upon request). The buyer is protected by the bond during that period.
Three options: (1) Civil claim against the seller for failing to deliver clear title; (2) court-ordered title transfer if you can prove a valid sale occurred; (3) bonded title — though some states won't approve one if a living owner is known to exist. Consult a maritime attorney if the boat is worth significant money.
In most states, no — you need registration to operate legally, and registration requires a title. Florida's temporary operating permit is the main exception. Ohio allows operation with the application receipt + bill of sale on board. Verify with your state before launching.
Recommended Tool
Boat Registration Number Kit
Once your registration is approved, you're required to display your assigned number on both sides of the bow in block letters at least 3 inches tall. A vinyl registration number kit is the cleanest, most durable way to do this — far better than hand-painting. Look for a UV-resistant, marine-grade vinyl set with a full character set (letters A–Z and numbers 0–9) so you can spell out any state registration number.
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