Do I need a title for registration or can I just have a bill of sale

[Jeremiahjohnson365]

I’m looking at buying a used boat and just have a question about the registration. If they lost the title can they just give me a bill of sale to transfer registration or do I need a title to do that in Minnesota?

 

[flashback]

Here is ln TN that's all you need.

 

[roscoe]

For MN, if I remember correctly, if a boat has been registered and had a title, the new owner must remit the registration card AND the title that they received from the seller.

If the seller lost the title, they should get a replacement title BEFORE the sell the boat and before you give them more than a deposit.

Pretty simple.
But nothing but headaches for you if you don’t get that title from the seller.

 

[RMClark]

The seller needs to apply for a replacement/duplicate title. Part of that application in Minnesota includes an affidavit that can only be signed by the person who is on the original title.

The Minnesota DNR web site has the applications and fees outlined.

Might be a "smokin' deal" on a nice boat, but the lack of title prior to the transaction increases the buyer's risk. There's a lot that could be going on there, including improper prior transactions and no title actually following that boat around, or maybe a lien on the boat that was never released. Might be all on the "up and up", but then again, maybe not. The buyer has no way of knowing for sure.

If it was me, I wouldn't buy it without seller having a title in hand.

 

[airshot]

Your safest bet is to call your state licensing/ title office and get an accurate story. Laws can change frequently.

 

[southkogs]

Looks like you need a title in MN: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/watercraft/index.html
Best bet is to call.

 

[ScottinAZ]

reading this makes me glad that AZ is a no-title state. These old boats get passed around like a peace pipe, so only needing a simple signature is a plus when you get one ready to go back on the water again