“What will I need to file for a lost title on a boat? I bought it from a friend whose father owned it, but he passed away and the title is no where to be found.”

Dealing with a lost boat title when the owner is deceased can be a complex process, and the specific requirements will vary significantly depending on your state’s laws. The information provided below is a general guide, and it is crucial that you contact the relevant authority in your state (such as the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Motor Vehicles, or a similar agency) to get the exact forms and instructions you’ll need.

Here is a general overview of what you will likely need to do:

1. Gather Key Documents and Information

Since the original owner has passed away, you’ll need to establish a clear chain of ownership from the deceased individual to your friend, and then from your friend to you. This is the most critical and challenging part of the process.

• Proof of Deceased Owner’s Death: You will almost certainly need a certified copy of the death certificate.
• Proof of Inheritance/Estate Documents: Your friend will need to provide documentation showing they are the legal heir or executor of their father’s estate. This could include:
  • A certified copy of “Letters of Testamentary” or “Letters of Administration” from the probate court.
  • An “Affidavit of Inheritance” specific to the vessel, which may be provided by your state’s titling agency.
  • A copy of the will, if one exists and is not being probated.
• Bill of Sale from the Estate: There should be a bill of sale from your friend (as the representative of the estate) to you. This document should include all relevant information about the boat, such as the Hull Identification Number (HIN), make, model, and year. It’s often recommended that this document be notarized.
• Your Personal Identification: You will need a valid form of personal ID, such as a driver’s license.

2. Contact the Appropriate State Agency

This is the most important step. Don’t assume the DMV handles all vessel titling. In many states, this is done by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Fish and Game Commission, or a similar wildlife and boating agency.

• In-Person Visit: An in-person visit to the local office is often the most effective way to handle this situation. They can look up the boat’s last registered owner and guide you through the specific forms required.
• Explain the Situation Clearly: Be prepared to explain the full situation: that you bought the boat from a friend, the boat’s previous owner (your friend’s father) is deceased, and the title is lost.
• Request an “Affidavit of Ownership” or similar form: Many states have specific forms for situations where the title is missing. You may also need to fill out a form to request a duplicate title, which the executor of the estate would have to apply for first.

3. Be Prepared for Potential Hurdles

• Lienholders: If there was a lien on the boat, you will need a notarized lien release statement from the lender.
• Multiple Heirs: If the deceased person had a spouse or other legal heirs, they may also need to sign off on the transfer of ownership.
• Bonded Title: In some cases, if you cannot provide all the necessary documents, your state may require you to apply for a “bonded title.” This involves purchasing a surety bond for the value of the boat, which protects the state and any potential unknown owners for a set period.

By gathering the necessary documents from your friend and contacting the correct state agency, you will be on the right path to successfully obtaining a new title for your boat.