Bought a boat with no title

[Pear73]

I recently bought an old fixer upper from a friend of mine.It was her dad's boat and he died many years ago. Her neighbor bought it off of her years back and registered the boat and the trailer in his name. When that guy passed away, his wife gave the boat back to my friend, but she could only find the title to the trailor. How can I get a title for this boat in Illinois?

 

[sheboyganjohn]

If the person whom the boat is titled in is still alive, they should be able to get a copy from the state and have them sign it over. If no one is alive, or they can't be found, there should be some process to get the title cleared. My father-in-law bought an ATV at auction with-out a title here in WI. He needed to send a certified letter to the previous owner demanding the title stating his right to ownership. When that letter came back undeliverable or delivery refused he had to send the sealed letter to the state with some other paperwork and they issued him the title.

 

[jbcurt00]

You should contact the Illinois agency that titles & registers boats & trailers. In WV that's the DMV.

My understanding is Illinois is a tough state to deal w/ if the seller doesn't have clear title & registration for boats & trailers.

 

[Pear73]

Thanks Guys

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Go to the Illinois DNR's web site boating section and print out the power of attorney form. Fill out the form and mail it into the Illinois DNR they will do all the legal work for you.

 

[bassmanhb]

Careful saying your some ones power of attorney if you aren't legally it !!! could tick off the family member that gets the paperwork.....

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Your giving the power of attorney to the state of Illinois just for the titling of the boat.