Vessel Documentation
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Welcome to our State page!

          Our state page contains articles, links, information, and other resources pertaining to boat, trailer, and outboard motor registration and titling on the state level. It serves as a gateway to our complete selection of boat registration services, forms, databases, and guides. You will also learn about the relationships between state level registration or titling and Coast Guard documentation.
          We hope you enjoy this information and be sure to bookmark our web site to stay current with the latest updates. Please contact us if you have questions about any of these subjects

Vessel Documentation

●  Boat Registration Services  -  A  state-by-state listing of low cost self-service kits which include everything required to register or title a boat on the state level.
●  Boat Registration Forms  -  Interactive online forms designed to meet state level recording standards for boat registration and titling.
●  Boat Registration Summary - A state-by-state overview of boat, trailer, and registration requirements. Includes information about boat loan perfection methods, taxes, inspections, notaries, boat dealers, and yacht brokers.
●  Boat Registration FAQs  -  Answers to frequently asked questions about state level boat registration, boat trailer registration, and outboard motor registration.
●  Financial Institutions Database  -  Nationwide listing of financial institutions and credit unions with historical data, a history of mergers, and contact information.
●  Boat Trailer Forms  -   Online fillable forms and instructions for use in registering and titling boat trailers on the state level.
●  State Titling vs. Vessel Documentation - Article that compares the choices between state level titling and Coast Guard documentation.
●  UCC Filings  -  The current status UCC financing statements as they relate to securing a loan interest in boats.
●  Vehicle vs. Vessel Titling  -  An interesting article that explains the differences and implications between vehicle and vessel titling.
●  Tax Agency Database  -  State-by-state listing of official tax revenue agencies with links to their respective web sites for information on taxes related to boat transactions.
●  Vessel Research Guide  -  Guidelines and information for researching boats on the state, federal, and foreign levels
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UCC-1 Filings

          The UCC-1 filing that was for so many years a primary method for recording vessel liens has now taken a back seat to state titling. Of course, in those few remaining states that do not issue vessel titles, this is still a viable alternative. Although a majority of marine lenders no longer file these in titling states, some continue the practice just as an extra precaution, or perhaps to cover accessories that are not essential to the vessel. Blanket filings on a vessel dealers inventory are also still quite common.
          One of the more convenient aspects of securing on a state title or through a preferred mortgage is that once filed, these require no further maintenance. This is not always the case with UCC filings as they are generally periodic and must be renewed from time to time. On the positive side, many states have now converted to centralized UCC systems that eliminate the need for locating the appropriate county clerk. In addition, most states have recently adopted a universal or generic UCC-1 form that is much easier to record.


State Titling vs. Vessel Documentation

          Owners and prospective buyers are often confronted with the issue of whether to state title the vessel or acquire Coast Guard documentation. Of course, this is a foregone conclusion when a lender is insisting on a preferred mortgage. Although most states now have tried and true vessel titling systems, there are still good reasons to document a vessel other than to merely satisfy a marine lender. The following are some of the reasons buyers may wish to consider documentation:

          1.  Documentation may be a better alternative when a buyer resides in a state which does not issue a formal title. Although yearly registration certificates can substitute in certain states as proof of ownership or as quasi-titles, they are not bona fide title documents and may be more difficult to defend.
          2.  Documentation should be considered for vessels that will traverse foreign waters or those of another state. A Certificate of Documentation is more universally recognized as an instrument of undisputed ownership. In foreign waters, documented vessels also enjoy certain protections afforded under international law that apply to U.S. flagged vessels.
          3.  A documented vessel can enjoy certain sales or property tax advantages in some states and may even be exempt from yearly registration fees.
          4.  Within the maritime community, documentation is viewed as a more prestigious method of titling. In the realm of national registry, a documented vessel joins the ranks of other luxury yachts and ships that carry the U.S. flag. In addition, documented vessels are not required to display state registration numbers on the vessel's exterior.

          There are many reasons for titling a vessel either on the state level or with the federal government. However, in some cases it may simply come down to a matter of  personal preference.  


 


Vehicle vs. Vessel Titling

          There is a common perception that all vessels are simply titled with the appropriate state, just like automobiles and recreational vehicles. However, the methods for recording a vessel's ownership can vary widely depending on its size, intended usage, and the waters on which it will navigate. Among the various governmental agencies that regulate vessel titling, licensing, and registration are the U.S. Coast Guard, individual states, U.S. territories, counties, and foreign countries.
          A typical vessel larger than 25 feet in length may have become subject to one, several, or perhaps all of these conditions during its lifetime. Smaller vessels are more likely to have been titled and registered in the same manner as a vehicle. However, there are still some differences on how boats are handled even on the state level. All of the states issue periodic registrations, but some do require or even provide vessel titling. Vessel registrations also administered by different agencies depending on the state. In some cases, they are handled by a fish and game or natural resources department rather than the department of licensing or motor vehicles.
          The manner in which an owner or prospective buyer elects to title or register the subject vessel can have a major impact with respect to taxes, security, and operations. Although there is no substitute for the advice of an attorney or professional accountant, you will find a great deal of information on these subjects right here in our web site. You are also welcome to contact us if you need help familiarizing yourself with any of these issues.


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