No-Title Boat Registration Checklist

Step 1: Determine Your Path

Check: Is your boat pre-1973? (Before November 1, 1972) → may qualify for bill-of-sale-only registration

Check: Is your state a non-titling state? (AK, AZ, AR, CT, HI, ID, ME, MA, NH, VT) → registration certificate is sufficient, no title needed

If neither applies → you need a bonded title (see steps below)

Step 2: Bonded Title — Required Documents

Completed title application form (see state-specific form numbers below)

Bill of sale — notarized if possible; include HIN, year, make, model, length, price, date, both signatures

Vessel value determination: NADA Marine printout (nadaguides.com/Boats) OR signed dealer estimate on letterhead

Surety bond certificate for 1.5× the appraised value (2× in Michigan) from a licensed surety company

Payment for state title fee + registration fee

Government-issued photo ID

State-Specific Form Numbers

State	Title Application Form	Title Fee	Bond Amount	Where to Submit	Processing
Florida	HSMV 82040	$5.25	1.5× value	County Tax Collector	3–5 weeks
Texas	PWD 143	$13	1.5× value	County Tax Office	4–6 weeks
Georgia	DNR 2090	$18	1.5× value	County Tag Office	6–8 weeks
Michigan	TR-12	$15	2× value	SOS Branch	6–10 weeks
Ohio	BMV 4010	$15	1.5× value	County BMV	4–6 weeks
Tennessee	TWRA-0173*	$11	1.5× value	County Clerk	3–5 weeks
North Carolina	MVR-1	$15	1.5× value	NC DMV	4–6 weeks
Missouri	MV-1	$11	1.5× value	MO Dept of Revenue	4–8 weeks
Alabama	MVT 5-5	$9.75	1.5× value	County Probate Office	4–6 weeks
Pennsylvania	REV-336	$22.50	1.5× value	PA Fish & Boat Comm.	6–8 weeks

*Tennessee TWRA-0173 is for pre-1973 boats (bill of sale only). Newer boats without title use the standard bonded title form.

Where to Get a Surety Bond

Expect to pay $100–$300 for a marine title bond depending on the bond amount and your credit.