How to Register a Jon Boat With No Title (Each State)

So you just scored a crazy cheap jon boat and hopped on the deal without taking a minute to think of the specifics. But after shelling out to pay for the pleasure craft, you come to find that it costs so little because it doesn’t have a title. Should you be worried?

While it might present unique challenges, you can definitely register a jon boat without a title. Finding out how difficult the process will turn out however depends on the specific rules and guidelines in your state.

In the following guide we’ll cover how to register a jon boat without a title for each state.

What is Jon Boat Registration and Why Do I Need It?

Jon boat registration protects both you and others around you from potential problems on the waves. When a jon boat is registered, local authorities can identify the boat by cross referencing its registration number with their database.

If ever your boat gets stolen or lost, you can also rely that your registration will play a vital role in locating the rogue vessel.

It’s also worth mentioning that registered jon boats receive a state-issued registration number and validation decal. These must be displayed at all times when a boat is in operation so that authorities can identify the boat based on the number if needed.

What is a Jon Boat Title?

For the record, a jon boat registration and a jon boat title are two widely different things. A title proves ownership of the boat, and serves as a legal document identifying you as the legal owner of the vessel.

Not all boats require a title, especially non-motorized, smaller, personal watercrafts. Some localities don’t require titling for boats of a certain size or year model. But again, titling requirements vary from state to state, so it’s important to check your local laws anyway.

What is a Jon Boat HIN?

The hull identification number or HIN is a unique numerical serial number assigned by the manufacturer to each individual boat that they release. The HIN makes it possible for manufacturers to recall specific boats that might have defects or issues.

More than that however, the HIN makes it possible to keep track of the boat throughout its entire lifespan. Back in the day, the HIN only served the purpose of consumer protection. But today, your jon boat HIN is a major requirement for titling and registration.

Jon Boat Registration Requirements in Every State

Wondering how to get started on the process of registering your jon boat without a title? In any case, your best bet to resolve the title issue would be to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV.

They will likely have their own steps that you can take in order to get your boat titled. But to give you an idea of what you can expect from state to state, here’s a very brief overview of their requirements and regulations:

Alabama

The state of Alabama requires all mechanically propelled boats, sailboats, and boats for hire (except for canoes) to be registered.
Alabama does not require a boat title.
For used boats, simply present the deed of sale or the previous boat registration certificate
For more information, visit their website.

Alaska

All motorized boats require registration in Alaska
If a boat is undocumented but measures less than 24 feet, it doesn’t need to be titled unless voluntarily titled by the owner.
If a boat is already documented by the US Coast Guard, then it’s exempted from titling in Alaska
For more information, visit their website.

Arizona

All motorized boats require registration in the state of Arizona
Interestingly, the boat registration also works as the boat’s title within the state’s borders
Arizona state does not issue boat titles. All they require is that owners fill out a form during registration.
For more information, visit their website.

Arkansas

All motorized boats require registration in Arkansas
Just like Arizona, Arkansas doesn’t issue titles for boats
The registration also acts as your boat title
For secondhand boats, owners must only present a bill or deed of sale and the previous registration if available
For more information, visit their website.

California

All motorized boats require registration in California. Non-motorized boats need not register, except for sailboats 8 feet in length or longer.
Not all boats need to be titled within the state of California.
Boats that are sold, transferred, and/or purchased must have a title if:
- It’s a 1997 model (or newer) powered by an inboard motor
- It’s a 1997 model (or newer), measures 14 feet or more, and is powered by an outboard motor
- It’s titled in the State of Pennsylvania

Colorado

The State of Colorado requires registration for all motorized and sail boats
Similar to Arizona, Alabama, and Arkansas, the State of Colorado doesn’t issue boat titles
Your registration acts as your boat title
For more information, visit their website.

Connecticut

In the State of Connecticut, all motorized boats regardless of size and sail boats measuring 19.5 feet or more must be registered and titled
If you purchase a boat that’s already registered, it’s your obligation to update the registration and transfer the boat to your name
Applicants must present evidence of ownership for untitled boats
For more information, visit their website.

Delaware

All motorized boats must obtain registration in the State of Delaware
Just like Colorado, Delaware is non-titling state for all forms of boats
Boat registration in Delaware requires annual renewal, unless you opt for their 3 year registration
If a boat has been sold without previous registration, owners assume the burden of proof by presenting a chain of ownership.
For more information, visit their website.

Florida

The State of Florida requires registration for all motorized boats
If a boat is used and stored exclusively on a private pond or lake, it is exempted from titling
Federally documented vessels also need not acquire a Florida title
If a boat doesn’t have a title, the State will require a bill of sale and complete descriptions of the boat to prove ownership
For more information, visit their website.

Georgia

In Georgia, a boat qualifies for registration if it measures more than 12 feet
Registration requires proof of ownership. Dealer’s invoice for brand new boats, and a bill of sale for secondhand boats
Registration renewal should be duly accomplished every three years
For more information, visit their website.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, all motorized boats should be registered
A boat can’t be registered in the State of Hawaii without a title
Non-titled boats that are not titled within the State’s given grace period will be subject to titling fines
For more information, visit their website.

Idaho

All motorized boats and manually or sail-powered boats 12 feet in length or over must be titled in the state of Idaho
Owners can acquire a title for boats that don’t fit the description above at their own discretion
The State of Idaho allows owners to register their boat online, over the phone, or in person.
For more information, visit their website.

Illinois

In Illinois, a motorized boat must get registered regardless of length
Titling a boat in Illinois is only required by law if the boat measures more than 22 feet
Boats owners may receive a title for untitled boats by completing a watercraft application form
Registration and titling must be obtained within 15 days from the purchase of the vessel
For more information, visit their website.

Indiana

The State of Indiana requires all motorized boats to be duly regsitered
In Indiana, the State doesn’t issue separate titles. The boat registration serves the purpose of a title.
When registering a boat, the State may require a Watercraft Ownership Affidavit, especially for untitled boats
For more information, visit their website.

Iowa

Most boats require registration in Iowa. Motorized boats as well as manually powered boats like sail boats, and even some canoes and kayaks must be registered.
Owners who want to register a boat without a title may contact the DNR to being the bonding process.
For more information, visit their website.

Kansas

All motorized boats operating in Kansas must receive registration from the State
Kansas is a non-titling state, so boats need not obtain titles
The State requires a printed photo or pencil tracing of the boat’s HIN as well as a duly accomplished form for registration.
For more information, visit their website.

Kentucky

In the State of Kentucky, all motorized boats require registration.
Some mechanically powered vessels may also require registration up to a certain size
Registrations are valid only for a year after issuance
Boat registration renewal takes place every April
For more information, visit their website.

Louisiana

All motorized boats regardless of size, sailboats 12 feet in length or over, and all houseboats must be registered in the State of Louisiana
A boat or motor must have a title if the outboard motor is 25hp or more
Registration requirements include Original Manufacturer’s Statement, copy of the dealer’s invoice, and proof of Louisiana state and local taxes payment
For more information, visit their website.

Maine

All motorboats of any size must be registered in Maine. This includes airmobiles and personal watercrafts.
Requirements for registration include the registrant’s information, the boat’s information and identification numbers, and a credit or debit card.
All boat registrations expire on December 31.
For more information, visit their website.

Maryland

The State of Maryland requires registration for all boats with any form of propulsion — whether auxiliary or primary.
Non-titled vessels must come with a copy of out-of-state registration for non-titling states.
For more information, visit their website.

Massachusetts

State law in Massachusetts requires any motor-powered boat and/or any boat operated in public waterways within the state to obtain registration
In the absence of a title, the owner must present a bill of sale, proof of payment, and any registration documents from previous owners
For more information, visit their website.

Michigan

In Michigan, all motorized boats regardless of size and all sail boats 16 feet or longer should obtain registration
Motorized boats measuring more than 20 feet should also have a title.
Boats with a permanently fixed engine, regardless of length, should also receive a title.
Boats that don’t meet the criteria above may still receive a title at the owner’s discretion
For more information, visit their website.

Minnesota

All boats measuring more than 16 feet — whether motorized or not — must be titled
Boat registration in Minnesota state remains valid for 3 years from the date of issue
Boats without a title can get registered by presenting the original Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin in lieu of a title
For more information, visit their website.

Mississippi

All motorized boats and sail boats must obtain registration
Non-motorized boats (with the exception of sail boats) need not apply for registration
The State offers to title boats and motors, but it is not required by the local government
If you purchase a boat from a previous owner, you are required to transfer the Certificate of Number to your name within 10 days of purchase to avoid penalty fees
For more information, visit their website.

Missouri

In the State of Missouri, all motorized boats regardless of length and sail boats more than 12 feet in length require registration and titling
If a boat is propelled by oars or paddling, it doesn’t require registration regardless of its size
The State allows boat owners 60 days to register and title their boats from the date of registration
Outboard motors also require registration
For more information, visit their website.

Montana

According to Montana State law, all motorized boats regardless of size as well as sail boats 12 feet or longer have to obtain registration
All boat owners vying to get their boats registered need to present a title
In the absence of a title, owners may have one made for their boat by filling out the form provided by the State of Montana
For more information, visit their website.

Nebraska

All motorized boats require a certificate of registration in the State of Nebraska
The certificate of title is only required for boats manufactured from the 1^st of November 1972 and beyond
For untitled boats acquired from previous owners, the present owner may acquire a Bonded Certificate of Title from the DMV
For more information, visit their website.

Nevada

All motorized boats need certificates of registration and title in the State of Nevada
For untitled secondhand boats, owners need to present the bill of sale or subsequent bills of sale and any other proof of present ownership
To obtain an MSO for a secondhand boat, the owners must take the boat to the Nevada Department of Wildlife office for inspection and MSO issuance
For more information, visit their website.

New Hampshire

Local laws in the State of New Hampshire require all motorized boats regardless of size and sailboats 12 feet or longer to obtain registration
Much like Arizona, New Hampshire is a non-titling state
Requirements for boat registration in New Hampshire are the least demanding, including just a duly completed form, bill of sale, and the appropriate fees.
For more information, visit their website.

New Jersey

The State of New Jersey requires all motorized boats regardless of size and non-motorized vessels more than 12 feet to obtain registration before being allowed on their waterways
Non-motorized vessels regardless of size, used exclusively on private waterways and lakes need not obtain registration
All boats need to be titled within 10 days of purchase
For more information, visit their website

New Mexico

In the State of Mexico, all motorized boats require a registration
Non-motorized sail-powered boats 10 feet or longer must be titled
Jets and motorboats less than 10 feet in length must be registered but don’t need a title
For more information, visit their website

New York

All motorized boats require registration in the State of New York regardless of size
Self propelled boats do not need registration regardless of size
Boats that race in competition also do not require registration in New York
The State of New York does not impose an age limit on the ownership and registration of a boat in their state
The factor of age comes into play in terms of operation but not in paperwork
For more information, visit their website

North Carolina

Law in the State of North Carolina requires registration for all motorized boats
Any watercraft or vessel more than 14 feet in length requires a title
If a manually propelled vessel measures more than 14 feet and is used on public waterways, it must apply for and obtain registration
For more information, visit their website.

North Dakota

The State of North Dakota requires registration for all motor-powered boats
The State offers a 10-day temporary permit that allows boat owners to take their boat on the water as they complete the registration process and await official documents and decals
For more information, visit their website

Ohio

Ohio State requires boat registration for all motor-powered vessels
The State requires titles for boats that measure more than 14 feet, for outboard motors that are 10hp or greater, and for personal watercrafts
All boats that fall into the titling category must have an Ohio State issued title to obtain registration
For more information, visit their website

Oklahoma

All boats must be titled and registered within the State of Oklahoma
Outboard motors 10hp and over must also be titled and registered
The State provides a 30-day grace period for boat owners to obtain these necessary documents from the date of purchase
For more information, visit their website

Oregon

Any and all motorized boat must be titled and registered regardless of size
Any manually powered boat regardless of size need not obtain registration
In the absence of a boat title, owners may obtain registration by presenting a bill of sale and other supporting documents
For more information, visit their website

Pennsylvania

All motor-powered boats require registration in the state of Pennsylvania
Manually-powered boats do not need registration, unless used in public waterways and lakes
For more information, visit their website

Rhode Island

All motor-powered vessels require registration in the state of Rhode Island
Manually-powered vessels less than 14 feet in size do not need to obtain registration
When applying for initial vessel certificate of title for an untitled boat acquired from a previous owner, present owners may have to visit their local DMV and fill out a form and submit a bill of sale
For more information, visit their website

South Carolina

All motorized boats require registration in the State of South Carolina
Manually-powered vessels do not need registration regardless of size
If you need to title a secondhand boat that has not been previously titled, the State requires a property tax payment proof with your name and county, and supporting documents of ownership (ie. Bill of sale) and duly accomplished forms
For more information, visit their website

South Dakota

All motorized and manually powered boats measuring more than 18 feet require registration
Boat owners are given a 45 day grace period to register their boats from the date of purchase
All titling and registrations are processed at the local county treasurer’s office
For more information, visit their website

Tennessee

While all boats in Tennessee require registration, they do not issue titles for boats
Registration requires a bill of sale and a HIN, aside from duly accomplished forms
For more information, visit their website

Texas

In the State of Texas, all motorized boats regardless of length and non-motorized boats 14 feet or longer require titles and registration
All internal combustion outboard motors also require a title
The State strongly advises buyers to avoid purchasing untitled boats from previous owners
For more information, visit their website

Utah

While all motorized boats and sail boats require registration, only vessels released from 1985 and beyond require a title
Boats that have never been titled need to have their HIN inspected by the local DMV
For more information, visit their website

Vermont

All motor-powered boats used in Vermont require a certificate of registration
Vessels that are 15 years old or newer measuring 16 feet or more must obtain a title
If a boat was purchased from a previous owner without a title, the present owner must provide the latest certificate of registration from the previous ownership and a bill of sale
For more information, visit their website

Virginia

All motorized boats require registration in the Virginia State
For boats that were purchased from a previous owner without a title, the State requires a dated bill of sale and a Notification of Change in Status of Numbered Vessel signed by the registered owner
For more information, visit their website

Washington

In Washington State, all motorized boats regardless of size and non-motorized boats and sail boats more than 16 feet require a registration
If a boat measures less than 16 feet, has a 10hp motor or less, and is used only on private waterways, it need not be registered
For more information, visit their website

West Virginia

All motor-powered boats in West Virginia must be duly registered
Titles are only required for motorized boats manufactured from July 1, 1989 and beyond
To title a previously undocumented vessel, the State requires MB-6, DMV-1-B forms, a registration card, and applicable fees
For more information, visit their website

Wisconsin

All motorized boats require registration in Wisconsin
Certificates of Title are issued to boats measuring more than 16 feet
In lieu of a title, the State requires a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin
For more information, visit their website

Wyoming

Local laws in the State of Wyoming require registration for all motorized boats
In the beginning of year 2021, the State has also started requiring titles for motorized boats
For more information, visit their website

Why Don’t Some Jon Boats Have Titles?

There are a number of reasons why someone might try to sell you a jon boat without a title. The first is that not all states are titling states. If the boat was purchased and used in a state that doesn’t issue titles, then it’s very possible to sell it without one.

Another reason is that not all states started titling boats at the same time. Some states only required titles for boats after a given year. So boats that were manufactured, sold, and purchased before then didn’t have to have them.

Is It Worth Buying a Jon Boat with No Title?

It all depends on where you’re located. For instance, the titling process for an untitled, previously owned boat in Texas can get long and tedious. In some cases, boat owners might not be able to complete the process at all given all of its intricacies and how inaccessible some documents can be.

Then again, states like West Virginia and South Carolina have very clear cut and accessible methods for untitled, previously owned boats to get titled. As long as your seller helps you out with necessary documents like a bill of sale and previous certificates of registration, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Tips for Registering a Boat with No Title

Ask for copies of original documents from the previous owner. In the absence of a title, other supporting documents can help speed up the process of registration. Some paperwork you should strive to obtain include:

Bill of sale
Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin
Previous certificates of registration

Documentary requirements change from state to state. So make sure to check with your local DMV to find out what you might need. It also helps to maintain contact with the previous owner in case you need any other requirements.

Visit your local DMV. Your local Department of Motor Vehicles will have its own requirements and processes to title and register your boat. Pay them a visit before you buy an untitled jon boat (if possible) to find out what procedures and fees you might expect.

Over to You

Jon boat registration for an untitled boat might get a little complicated. But with the right paperwork, it’s actually not as hard as some people make it out to seem. If you’re wondering how to register a jon boat with no title, check with your local DMV to get started on the process.

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