Boat Registration Problem

[neoga34]

I just bought a 14' aluminum fishing boat from a guy in Wisconsin, I live in Illinois. It is registered under his name until 2011 in Wisconsin. There is no title because Wisconsin does not require them for boats under 16'. The problem is I don't have the guys registration card for the boat, which I need to register it under my name since it is currently registered. He wont return phone calls or emails so I can't get ahold of him. I have the bill of sale with his signature. Anyone know a way around this? Is there some place in Wisconsin I can contact to show proof the boat is registered to him? Like the DNR or something? Or anything else?

 

[KRH1326]

Re: Boat Registration Problem

I had a similar, but different situation. There was no paper work to be had from my seller, other than his bill of sale to me. The previous owner had not had it registered for MANY years, and I could not find him.

I do not know the difference in the state laws, but in my case, in New York, I ended up doing the following.

I had to get a photo or pencil rubbing of the HID. I had to have a police officer witness and sign it.

There was several (2 or 3) DMV forms that I had to fill out. 1 was a registration form, 1 was a search for prior owners and lien stuff. and 1 was something else, I forget.

They issue me a temporary registration. It was a real registration, but it was NON TRANSFERABLE. Once they concluded thier end of it, couple of months, I was issued a transferable registration.

My best advice is to go to your DMV, and explain your situation. You will not be arrested or hassled if the thing is reported lost or stolen, as long as you have your bill of sale. Let them tell you what they want, then jump through the hoops.....

Good Luck

 

[emilime75]

Re: Boat Registration Problem

In Tennessee, if the PO's registration card is not available the only things required to register a boat is the bill of sale which has to include the usual info PLUS the PO's home address. If you had the card, then you wouldn't need their address.