Register a Boat in Missouri Without a Title: Easy Guide

Registering a vessel can be confusing, especially if you need to register a boat in Missouri without a title. The state requires clear documentation for ownership, yet many boats change hands without complete papers. Understanding the legal steps helps avoid penalties and ensures you can enjoy the water without issues.

Why Titles and Registration Matter

In Missouri, a title proves ownership, while registration allows your vessel to operate legally on public waters. Without proper documents, you may face fines or lose the ability to use your boat in Missouri. Many buyers encounter situations where a previous owner lost the paperwork or the vessel was purchased out of another state without clear records. Knowing how to move forward makes the process smoother.

When You Must Register a Boat in Missouri

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) oversees boat registration in Missouri. Any motorized boats and sailboats longer than 12 feet must be registered. Non-motorized vessels under that length do not require state registration. However, registering your boat often helps with proof of ownership, especially if you plan to sell it later.

Certain rules apply:

• You must register your boat within 60 days of purchase.
• Out-of-state vessels operating in Missouri for more than 60 consecutive days must also be registered.
• A boat without a title can still be registered if you provide the right supporting documents.

Required Documents for Boat Registration in Missouri

To complete boat registration, you generally need:

1. A properly signed title in Missouri.
2. A bill of sale showing the transfer of ownership.
3. An application for registration and titling (Form 93).
4. Payment of applicable fees and taxes.

When the title is missing, you will need alternatives to prove ownership. The bill of sale becomes a key document, along with notarized statements or inspection reports.

How to Register a Boat in Missouri Without a Title

The process for handling a boat without a title in Missouri involves additional steps. Here is the outline:

Step 1: Gather Ownership Proof

If the title is missing, provide a bill of sale with details such as:

• Buyer and seller names.
• Purchase price.
• Hull identification number (HIN).
• Date of sale.

If you don’t have a bill of sale, request one from the seller. Without this document, you may need to petition for ownership proof through the courts.

Step 2: Apply for a Bonded Title

When ownership is unclear, Missouri allows a bonded title process. This requires you to purchase a surety bond equal to twice the vessel’s value. The bond protects against future ownership disputes.

Step 3: Submit to the Department of Revenue

Take your documents, application form, and fees to a local DOR office. They will review your case, and in some situations, an officer from the Missouri State Highway Patrol may inspect your boat.

Step 4: Receive Temporary Papers

You may be issued temporary registration and decals while the bonded title is processed. After approval, you receive full documentation to operate your vessel legally.

Fees and Costs

Boat registration in Missouri involves several fees:

• Title fee: $10.
• Processing fee: $6.
• Registration fee, based on vessel length:
  • Under 16 feet: $25.
  • 16–26 feet: $55.
  • Over 26 feet: $100.
• Outboard motor title: $10 (if applicable).

Sales tax also applies unless you prove the tax was paid in another state.

Special Rules for Outboard Motor Registration

An outboard motor must also be titled in Missouri. This means when you register a boat, you may need to apply for a separate outboard motor title. If you purchased a boat in Missouri with an attached motor, ensure you have a bill of sale that clearly lists both the boat and the outboard motor.

Used outboard motors without proper papers often require a bonded title, similar to a boat without a title.

Registering Boats Purchased in Another State

If you buy a vessel from another state, you may face extra paperwork. Titles and titling rules in Missouri differ from some states, so your boat may arrive with incomplete documentation. In that case:

• Provide the out-of-state title, if available.
• Submit a bill of sale proving the transfer.
• Pay Missouri taxes if not already collected.

If no title exists, you must follow the bonded title process again.

Renewal Rules for Boat Registration in Missouri

Boat registration in Missouri lasts for three years and must be renewed before expiration. Renewal requires:

• A renewal notice or current title.
• Fee payment based on boat length.
• Updated information on ownership if anything changed.

Failing to renew means your decals are invalid, and operating the boat in Missouri becomes illegal.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Missing Bill of Sale

If you cannot obtain a bill of sale, you may need to file an affidavit of ownership or request assistance from the Department of Revenue. Courts may also issue an ownership judgment.

Errors in Hull Identification Number

A boat without a valid HIN cannot be registered. If damaged, the Missouri State Highway Patrol can issue a new number.

Old Boats with No Records

For very old vessels, titling rules in Missouri may allow exceptions. Speak with your local office to confirm requirements.

Tips to Register Your Boat Smoothly

• Make sure your documents are notarized.
• Always get a bill of sale when buying used boats.
• Check whether your outboard motor requires a separate title.
• Keep copies of all forms and receipts.
• Contact the Department of Revenue if you face unusual issues.

Domande frequenti

1. Can you register a boat without a bill of sale?
It is very difficult. Missouri requires proof of ownership, and a bill of sale is the most accepted form. Without it, you may need a court order.

2. Do all boats in Missouri need titles?
Yes, except non-motorized vessels under 12 feet. Motorized boats and larger sailboats require both title and registration.

3. What if my boat was gifted?
You still need to register your boat. Provide a bill of sale marked as “gifted” with the fair market value for tax purposes.

4. Do I need to title an outboard motor separately?
Yes. An outboard motor requires its own title in Missouri.

5. How long can I use an out-of-state boat in Missouri?
Up to 60 consecutive days. Beyond that, you must register the boat in Missouri.

Conclusione

Learning how to register a boat in Missouri without a title takes patience, but the process is clear if you follow the steps. The Department of Revenue and Missouri State Highway Patrol work together to ensure boating in Missouri remains safe and legal. With the right documents, fees, and attention to titling rules in Missouri, you can register your boat and enjoy the water without making costly mistakes.