Texas Titling Question...

[seanmnew]

Alright, so here is the deal?

My girlfriend had bought this boat for me from my buddy, who had got it years and years and years ago? well I had messed with it a bit, realized it was worth the money, and we decided to get it.

When she bought this for me, we received BOTH titles, as well as the "certificate of number".

Here in lies the issue? the titles are in 2 different fellers names, and are clearly titles from the 90's. My buddy never had it running, therefor never got it transferred to his name. No idea how/where to get ahold of the old owners (different towns each, neither are my town).

What issues will I run into while trying to license/title it?

 

[seanmnew]

Re: Texas Titling Question...

Just to add a bit more info:

Boat is a 1973 Kayot 20' Pontoon
Motor is a 1976 Johnson 55HP Outboard

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Texas Titling Question...

When she bought this for me, we received BOTH titles, as well as the "certificate of number".

Here in lies the issue… the titles are in 2 different fellers names, and are clearly titles from the 90's. My buddy never had it running, therefor never got it transferred to his name. No idea how/where to get ahold of the old owners (different towns each, neither are my town).

What issues will I run into while trying to license/title it?

As long as both are signed I don't see were there should be a problem with either. But then I'm not from Texas either.

 

[bigtrout1949]

Re: Texas Titling Question...

Go to the TPWD field office that registers boats. They will have everything you need and all the instructions. May involve tracking down both titlers and sign some forms. Good Luck!

 

[MWG2600]

Re: Texas Titling Question...

If they are signed you should be good, if not almost impossible

 

[m.qualls89]

Re: Texas Titling Question...

I have been known to have my buddy sign it lol. but only knowing it wasnt stolen of course.

 

[seanmnew]

Re: Texas Titling Question...

I have been known to have my buddy sign it lol. but only knowing it wasnt stolen of course.

Im going to pretend that i didnt hear that nor do that...

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Texas Titling Question...

In Texas the signature on the title is the transferring mechanism for anything titled. Bill of sale is useless and usually never are used. Usually there is a 10 day window for the recipient to get the title transferred or face like a $10 penalty. One of the reasons is relieving the previous owner of liability. As far as the state is concerned, the person to whom the title was issued is liable for the titled vehicle and any litigations associated.

Nowadays you can send a form to the issuing agency notifying them that on such and such a day you sold your bla bla to joe blow. This gives them a heads up that a title is in the works and could help in any litigation resulting from the new owner's actions.......like a speeding ticket in the vehicle goes against YOUR driving record. Once the new owner gets your signed title and the goods, he may never get it changed because he has to pay a 6.25 to 8.25% state sales tax on the outstanding monies of the transaction....purchase price - trade in. Course there is no way for you to know if and when they execute the title unless you write to the issuing agency and see what they have on file for ownership.

As stated, no signature, no deal.

Mark

 

[seanmnew]

Re: Texas Titling Question...

SOOOOO… I have news (no idea if its good or bad)… but the title owner of my OutBoard has been deceased since 2007… Ugh… So I found his wives address and name, and have composed a letter asking if he had a proctored will. That was the instructions that I got from TPWD.

The title IS signed (by him) front and back, just so bill of sale or TPW144 or whatever.

Does anyone have any solid advice on the right steps to take here? Or different possible steps?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Texas Titling Question...

If it is signed on the back, all you need to do is fill in the other appropriate information for a sale to a private individual (yourself).

You may have to pay a small fee for delay in the transfer. Like I said, the state could care less about a bill of sale. I have bought and sole many things over the years and you take your "clear" title (no lein or if so, it has been signed off....released) and give it to the buyer, signed on the front (when it's received by the orig owner...you if selling) and on the rear where I (he) assign(s) the title to whomever's name is on the back above his signature, usually left blank for them to fill in, give them the product and the title, take the cash, and be on your way. He normally has 10 days to contact TPWD and get it transferred, just as you do other vehicle registrations in the state, course with other vehicles you usually contact your county license issuing office.

If he had a will, probated it and assigned his wife beneficiary, you are in luck, if you have any problems with the above, which you shouldn't. Go to the court house and obtain a copy of the probated will in the county clerk's office where it was filed. Mail that with the title to the TPWD along with the new application that you can download online from their site. With that attach a notarized copy of his wife's intention, signed by her, to sell the boat to you.

HTH,
Mark