Can I register/get TX #'s for a boat in Texas without a title?

Question

A boat was given to me without a title. It was previously titled and had TX numbers back in 2002 in a different county from where I am now. Can I file for a lost title like a car? It is a 1975 Terry so would I also need a title for the motor if it was built before that law was in effect?

Answer 1

I'm in the middle of this right now for my boat.

You have to go to a texas parks and wildlife office where boats are registered.  You pay a couple of dollars for a lien search.  that will show you the last owner on record.  You have to go to that person and get things cleared up.  In many cases, they will allow for an affidavit from the person that sold you the boat and a returned certified letter showing your attempt to contact the previous person on record.  In some cases they will allow for a bonded title, but only ship yards etc. can apply for a salvage title.  It is a royal pain I know..google Texas Parks and Wildlife and go from there.  Good luck, you will need it.

FYI, the DMV is only good for the trailer.  That works much like a car.

Answer 2

No, regarding the similiar question you asked, you cannot obtain a boat trailer's title or a boat's registration without going through the DMV to give an abandon property notice to the current owner of the property.  This is the law and must be done to legally acquire any abandoned property with a title or registration.

They should be able to guide you through the procedure on how to give the proper notice and time the owner has to claim it.  I'm not sure of that is a sale lien or some other legal notice.

Once the proper paperwork has been filed, I believe either the state DMV or state police will try to inform the owner listed on the title for the boat trailer and/or the registration on the boat.  Either written or by phone, probably written.  Then the person will have probably 30 days to pay you the storage fees and have a bill of sale proving it to claim the boat.

After that period passes and the owner is a no-show, the state's DMV system should automatically release you to be able to claim the boat trailer's title and registration for the boat.

A boat motor does not contain a title, only the boat trailer has a title.  If the boat is an outboard, the serial number of the motor is required on the boat registration.

I recommend that you make a trip to your local state DMV office at your earliest convienence and inquire about this.  

The info you  will need for this trip to the DMV is:

The trailer's VIN (ID number shown on the trailer)

The boat's HIN (Hull ID Number)

If it has an outboard, the serial number on the boat motor.

The license plate state of origin (TX) and license plate number on the boat trailer.