Buying a boat without a title (Indiana)

[nv89]

I found a boat I was interested in looking at and possibly purchasing, but after talking with the seller I discovered it doesn't have a title. They told me because of the boats age (1979) it doesn't require a title, they did say that it's registered and they have the registration for it. The trailer doesn't have a title either. I looked at the Indiana BMV website and couldn't find any information stating that a boat of that age doesn't require a title. Does anyone have any experience with this, or know if I would be able to obtain a title if I purchased it?

 

[jbcurt00]

This might be helpful: [h=2]Titles[/h] In Indiana, all watercraft must be titled except for the following:

• Watercraft purchased prior to January 1, 1986 until after the watercraft is transferred to another person. If ownership has transferred since January 1, 1986 the new owner must title the watercraft (unless the watercraft is exempt from titling for another reason).​
• A ship’s lifeboat.​
• Non-motorized watercraft of any value.​
• Watercraft valued at less than $3,000 when new.​
• Assembled watercraft of any value built for personal use and not for resale.​
• Watercraft documented with the United States Coast Guard.​
• Watercraft legally registered by an out-of-state resident temporarily operating on Indiana waters for less than sixty (60) consecutive days.​

When a watercraft is required to be titled, the title must be applied for within thirty-one (31) days from the date of purchase or transfer. If you are buying a watercraft, ensure that the seller has signed the appropriate section on the watercraft title, completed the purchase date and selling price fields, and filled in your information as the watercraft purchaser.
You must present one (1) proof of your Indiana residency when titling the watercraft. If your address has changed, you must present two (2) proofs of Indiana residency.
If you do not have a valid Indiana driver's license, learner's permit, or identification card you must also present proof of your Social Security number or I-94 and Social Security Administration ineligibility letter.

• Acceptable documents for proof of Indiana Residency and Social Security number​

Watercraft titles may be processed at any BMV license branch location.

Find a BMV customer service location near you




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[HaleSeezer]

my boat is a 76 and has a title for what it's worth. I do know that all trailers on the road require titles and plates in Indiana, and the process to get an older trailer titled can be pretty tricky. that's why mine lives in wisconsin, where trailers under 3000# don't require it

 

[jbcurt00]

The way I read the title info, if the guy you're buying it from has owned it since before 1986, he can sell it to you & YOU must title it.

The trailer is a completely different 'vehicle' and if Hale is correct, then you'll have to dig in and figure out what it takes to title the trailer.

In WV, it can be as easy as confirming there are no VIN #'s (AND no evidence they have been removed), getting a police officer to inspect it for VIN or damaged/missing VIN, get their signature on a form, taking 2 pix of it and go to the DMV to get it registered as a home built trailer (small fee) and titled to you.

If there is any evidence of damaged or removed VIN, it gets much more complicated.

Does Indiana title outboard motors? Some states do...........

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[smokeonthewater]

No titles for outboards in IN Home built OR missing vin is pretty easy on trailers

 

[jbcurt00]

Hey SOW, where ya been hanging lately?

In WV, there are more steps, but as long as the VIN's not clearly damaged/removed then getting the inspection, a new state issued VIN and title/registration is manageable, but you have to be patient and bring all the paperwork.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Back at home for a while... Been thinkin bout getting the v20 going soon. Gimme a call sometime if ya want [/HIJACK]

 

[nv89]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm going to go look at it this weekend and try to get more information.

If I do have to get it inspected and get a new VIN what are the rules for using the boat while I'm waiting? I'm assuming I can't take it out until everything is processed and it's officially titled?

 

[GA_Boater]

It all depends on Indiana. So maybe yes, maybe no.

 

[jbcurt00]

In Indiana, I wouldn't know, but I suspect it's similar in WV to most places: If I apply for title & registration, they give me a temp reg reciept for the boat. I can carry it for up to 60days in lieu of actual registration and having reg#'s on the hull. No reg#'s make it more likely that the water cops will stop me, but if all the paperwork is in order, I have all the correct safety gear, and that little receipt, no problem.

For trailer VIN or boat HIN, if there is proof (paperwork, etc that matches details of boat/trailer) it had a VIN/HIN and it conforms to the current 12-13digit vin code system, I can get a re-issued VIN from the state. Takes a few weeks AND I'll have my temp reg receipt until then anyway. If there was NO VIN & no evidence there ever was 1, I leave the DMV w/ the newly issued VIN plate.

Other states could be similar or different. Call & ask.

BTW: I found spending the time to GO to the DMV & ask questions was ALWAYS a better option. The phone responses were unreliable at best.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Here it's exactly the opposite... The clerks are clueless BUT when you call you get the folks in Indianapolis who actually know what's up.....

 

[jbcurt00]

Well that's even better.... 30min hold time on the phone definitely beats a 2hr wait at the DMV..............