I just baught a boat and I was wondering if I get 30 days to get it in my name and get the plates put on?

Question

I was wondering if its just like a car? I live in Iowa.

Answer 1

Yes, most states give you 30 days to get the trailer title processed, insurance on the boat, and get the boat registered in your name.  Insurance must be purchased first on the boat and the boat assessed for taxes before you can process the title or register the boat.

Trailers usually do not get insurance because the vehicle insurance protection should extend to your trailer WHEN it is on the vehicle.

However, if you disconnect your trailer and an accident happens, your boat must have the proper coverage to cover such a potential situation.

Answer 2

if you purchased it from a dealer, you should be given temporary registrations for both the trailer and the boat.  In both cases, this goes through your dmv and like a car, once the plates and number (for the boat) come in, you must remove the temporary tag and install the plate on the trailer and stick the numbers on the boat hull.

In both cases, you must carry insurance on the trailer and boat as described by your state's DMV code.