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.