Question-Registration of boats?

[ImASonOfaSailor]

If i buy a boat from a private owner,what has to happen when i bring it back into another State would i have to change the registration as soon as i get it, or if it is still registered in another state can i use that for a little while? And where do i do this at, this is gonna be my first boat, dont know this stuff? Im in PA.

[deniseO30]

If I remember right you don't need a title but you do need a bill or something showing the purchase price. (state wants it's $$) I boat my boat in Deale MD and the paperwork from MD was more then PA's you need to change it to your name asap. Why would you even think of using the PO's reg? You go to a tag and title service just like you do for a car. you can do it online too.

[Ulladh]

As Denise wrote in PA same as registering a car from out of state.

Get a notorized receipt from the current owner.

PA does nor require it, but it is also a good idea to get a copy of the current registration with owners name and address to match the receipt, and as much documented history as possible on the boat.

Also check with the registration authority in the current registration state, that the owner does own the boat and that there are no outstanding leans.

A PA title is optional but is probably good to get at same time as PA registration when you are at the Tag Shop.

[saillife]

Does the title/registration have to be done where you keep the boat? Not an issue I have to deal with since I live and keep the boat in the same state.

[sailingfool]

Originally Posted by ImASonOfaSailor

If i buy a boat from a private owner,what has to happen when i bring it back into another State would i have to change the registration as soon as i get it, or if it is still registered in another state can i use that for a little while? And where do i do this at, this is gonna be my first boat, dont know this stuff? Im in PA.

Just checking...are you sure the boat in question is not federally documented...creating a whole different thread...

[DRFerron]

Originally Posted by saillife

Does the title/registration have to be done where you keep the boat? Not an issue I have to deal with since I live and keep the boat in the same state.

I believe the rule of thumb for most states is that you register the boat in the state in which you boat 90 days or more.

[SlowButSteady]

The rules and regs are very state-specific. Your best bet is to contact the state(s) involved and find out the specifics from them.

[SHNOOL]

PA registrations are just that for PA residents.
Purchase or renew a PA Boat Registration or Title Is the URL for fish commision.

If you bought the boat outside PA and didn't pay outside sales tax, you will need to pay PA 6% sales tax, plus the fee to register the boat. If there is no title to the boat, you will also need to get them to create one (another fiasco, but can be done).

Your best bet is to find an "authorized issuing agent" in PA. They are extremely helpful and do this stuff all the time.

here is the link to that: PFBC Boat Registration Issuing Agents

I JUST did this with my Capri 22, and trailer. Owner had title to the boat, but not the trailer (wasn't required in NY).... my local agent handled the sales tax and registration for boat, trailer, and titled the trailer. Hopefully you have a signed contract showing sale of boat (and trailer if involved) as a separate transaction for both, otherwise it can get messy if you have "1 sale."

Enjoy your new boat, and keep posting here, we want picts!

[kpgraci]

Originally Posted by SlowButSteady

The rules a regs a very state-specific. Your best bet is to contact the state(s) involved and find out the specifics from them.

Exactly. Go to the source and your rear will be covered, everything else is hearsay.

[Ulladh]

It's not that complicated in PA, go to the Boat and Fish web site and find a Tag Shop near you authorized to issue boat reg and title. The Tag Shop does the whole thing and issues temporary registration stickers.