Why Jon Boats Are a Registration Challenge
Jon boats are the most commonly bought and sold used boats in the country — and they're disproportionately sold informally, often without complete paperwork. Many were built in the 1970s and 80s, sometimes without proper HINs, and have changed hands multiple times without formal title transfers. If you've bought a jon boat with incomplete paperwork, you're in the majority.
Does Your Jon Boat Need a Title?
It depends on your state and the boat's length. Here's where the threshold falls:
| State | Jon Boat Titling Threshold | Below Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 16 ft motorized (title required) | Under 16 ft: register only, no title required |
| Texas | 14 ft motorized | Under 14 ft: register only |
| Michigan | 16 ft motorized | Under 16 ft: register only |
| Ohio | 14 ft motorized | Under 14 ft: register only |
| Tennessee | All motorized | N/A — all need title |
| Georgia | All motorized | N/A — all need title |
| North Carolina | All motorized | N/A — all need title |
| Alabama | All motorized | N/A |
Jon Boat With No Title — Your Options
This is the most common jon boat situation. Three paths, depending on state and boat age:
- Bill of sale registration — For pre-1973 boats (before federal HIN requirements), many states accept a notarized bill of sale for registration without requiring a title. Best option if the boat is old enough to qualify.
- Bonded title — Purchase a surety bond for 1.5×–2× the boat's value and apply for a bonded title through your state. Required for newer boats without titles in most states. Cost: $100–$300 for the bond + state title fee. See our complete no-title guide.
- Track down the owner — If the boat was registered in your state previously, your state agency can sometimes tell you the last registered owner (varies by state). The original owner may be able to sign the title over or get a duplicate.
Jon Boats With No HIN
Many older jon boats — particularly pre-1972 welded aluminum boats — have no HIN. This is legal and expected for pre-1972 vessels. Your state will assign a registration number that serves as the vessel identifier. Some states will send an inspector to physically mark the assigned number on the hull. Contact your state agency before starting the registration process for HIN-less boats.
North Carolina Jon Boat Rule
North Carolina has one of the more frequently searched questions: "does a jon boat need to be titled in North Carolina?" The answer is yes — all motorized vessels require titling in NC, regardless of length. A 12-foot jon boat with a 5hp motor needs a NC title ($15) and annual registration ($10.50). The good news: NC's fees are among the lowest in the South, and the county DMV offices are generally fast.
Free Checklist: Registration Documents for Your Vessel
Select your state and vessel type to get a complete checklist with current fees and form numbers.