Cancelling Coast Guard documentation

[MarkSF]

I am a resident alien in the US and I have just realised that

a) The boat I have made an offer on is documented and
b) I can't own a documented vessel - you have to a US citizen.

Therefore it looks like the documentation will have to be cancelled. Is this straightforward and will I then spend hours at the DMV trying to get the boat titled?

[RichH]

The documentation will automatically expire when the PO does not sign the yearly renewal form AND he/she will have to do the 'de-authorization'. Since you wont be 're-documenting' the vessel - no problem there.

Others can reply to the state registration process for Kalifornia.

[tommays]

When i took over a boat in NY there is a place on the rear of the documentation papers that requires the owners notarized signature

So that and a bill of sale was all that was needed in NY

BUT i had to go the DMV web sight and download there PDF on the issue as in NY there are i kid you NOT 29 possible variations and had to show it to them at the DMV as they had never done it before

[windward54]

Get ready for a long line at a DMV. Be sure to bring a Bill of Sale and proof that you paid California sales tax. If you don't, the DMV will try to collect it from you before they will issue a registration. Also, try to find a DMV close to a marina. I found out the hard way that all DMV's are not created equally when it comes to boat registration. By using a DMV close to a marina, at least you have a fighting chance to find someone that knows what they are doing on boat registrations.

Also, check to make sure the DMV is not closed for a furlough...

[MarkSF]

Thanks for the info everyone, that's a load off my mind!

[TQA]

If you are buying through a broker he should do this for you.

Mine did when I bought my current boat. If it is not done then it may delay your registration elsewhere. They will check to see if deregistration has taken place in some countries.

Also I am wondering if there is some confusion in this thread between a STATE registered boat and a COASTGUARD registered boat, mention of the DMV means a state registration I think.

[capttb]

Make an appoinment at the DMV, you'll walk right past the line, the lines go around the buildings.

[tommays]

In many states you have to DMV the boat even when its documented as they want there tax

[capttb]

SSSSH! So far California is an either/or state, Registered with state or documented, can't do both.

[PalmettoSailor]

DMV? In VA (and MD as well I think) boat registration is handled by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Registration is all done by mail -- no muss, no fuss.

It would suck to have make a trip to DMV to register a boat.