Registering Boat

[hunter87]

I got the boat from my Uncle for free, it was in his back yard when he moved in. My question is, when I go to DMV to register it should I take the numbers off the boat before I go in?

I have no proof of sale or anything idea who it was registered to last. I'm just wondering if there is going to be allot of back fees or hoops to jump through if I leave the stickers on. Or maybe the reverse and I'll just have to get everything up to date.

It's a 12' aluminum with a 5hp outboard and I'm in California. Thanks guys.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Registering Boat

I would sugest you call the DMV and ask them it will save you a good bit of hassle. And I would do that before I started spending any money first.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Registering Boat

... I would also suggest getting your uncle to write you a "gift" letter. Short and simple that he's giving you the boat, it'll act like a bill of sale and help with the transfer.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Registering Boat

FWIW, when I bought my used boat in North Carolina, the wildlife people gave me a new registration with the same numbers that were already on the boat. If I had scraped them off I would have just had to put them back on. Of course, that's in North Carolina. The earlier advice to call your governing authority on the phone before you go to see them was excellent. Frankly, I'd be surprised if they even ask to see the boat.

 

[sutor623]

Re: Registering Boat

Does the DMV in CA do boat titles? Here in VA the game commission does it. DMV has nothing to do with boats here.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Registering Boat

He said he was from CA. Thats a whole diff. world there. It's no telling what he might have to do.( Peoples Rep. Of Calif). Couldn't resist.

 

[sutor623]

Re: Registering Boat

He said he was from CA. Thats a whole diff. world there. It's no telling what he might have to do.( Peoples Rep. Of Calif). Couldn't resist.

That's why I was asking him. I wasn't sure.

 

[aharper00]

Re: Registering Boat

I think they will reregister with the same numbers. Does your uncle not have the title? If so, that's all you would need to register the boat. I'm not sure how you would be able to walk into a BMV and just say it's yours without some sort of proof (if so what would stop someone from taking it from you?).

 

[shrew]

Re: Registering Boat

Of course (as stated) the BEST place to confirm what is required is through the DMV/RMV for the state where you are registering the boat. A quick Google search for "Registering a Boat in California With no Title" yielded the following:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/boatsinfo/boatreg.htm

How Do I Register My Vessel?
The documents required to register and title a new vessel or a vessel being registered for the first time are:

•Application for Vessel Certificate of Number (BOAT 101).

•Proof of ownership, such as the out-of-state title in the applicant's name or properly endorsed for transfer and signed by the applicant. A bill of sale is acceptable in lieu of the seller's signature on the title,

OR

•The original or certified copy of a conditional sales contract or security interest showing the purchaser's name and any lienholder and marked "paid" and countersigned,

OR

•A bond for the vessel value if proof of ownership cannot be provided and the vessel's value is $2,000 or more.

NOTE: If your vessel is located at an address other than your residence address, you must show the vessel location on the application.

You may register your vessel at any DMV office or mail your registration application (Boat 101) to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

 

[OllieC]

Re: Registering Boat

Numbers are the same in CA when transfered within the state.....

 

[hunter87]

Re: Registering Boat

Thanks guys.
I'm going to go with the majority and just call first to see what they have to tell me.
To answer the questions, no my Uncle had nothing for the boat, it was just in the back yard when he moved in.

And correct me if I'm wrong but it seems that the no proof of ownership is an issue when the boat's value is over $2000, and mine is not.

 

[sutor623]

Re: Registering Boat

Thanks guys.
I'm going to go with the majority and just call first to see what they have to tell me.
To answer the questions, no my Uncle had nothing for the boat, it was just in the back yard when he moved in.

And correct me if I'm wrong but it seems that the no proof of ownership is an issue when the boat's value is over $2000, and mine is not.

Worst case scenario is that you will have to get a bill of sale from last REGISTERED owner. I know in CA it may be different, but in VA if you try and still can not contact the previous owner, and attempt to contact the previous owner for a period of 60 days, you can get an abandoned vessel title. With older and smaller boats it typically is not an issue. I buy cheap little boats with no titles off of CL all the time, title them, and sell them. I have only had an issue once, and it is because I contacted the previous owner who the boat was registered to 10+ years ago, and he wanted the boat back. Legally I had to give it to him and take a $200 loss (cause thats what I bought the boat for). Guy was a total ***. He had forgotten about it initially, and instead of sending me a signed bill of sale he sent over an officer from the dept. of game to collect the boat.