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
●
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
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.
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.
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.
Please send us a
message before
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Your comments are important because they provide us with direction in
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It is our mission to provide the absolute best in professional maritime
services and we are constantly striving
to improve our awareness of your vessel documentation, vessel titling,
and vessel transaction needs.
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