Buying out of state boat?

[kjackson]

Things have started to settle a bit, and I'm thinking hard about selling my boat and buying one more suited to the way I need to fish.  I've been seeing a lot of boats that I like that are out of state, and that means they likely don't have boat, trailer and motor titled. So-- how hard is it to get a Missouri title for a boat/trailer or motor from out of state?  

When I brought my boat out from Arkansas, the boat and trailer were licensed from our previous home in Washington, but the motor was not. I did get it licensed after I found the original bill of sale. So it looks like relicensing/titling in Missouri is not easy.

Is that the case? 

Thanks for any advice.

 

[jdmidwest]

Don't know about Arkansas, but I have transferred 2 from Illinois and 1 from Tn.  Illinois was easy, all titled.  Tn needed a copy of the registration card they issue to owners like our paper sheet when you apply for tag on boat. Theirs is a card that fits in wallet.

Bill of sale from the state you are buying from filled out at time of purchase and the boat, motor, trailer title should get you thru.

[grizwilson]

What @jdmidwest I have bought from IL AR bill of sale and VIN got it done fine.  Only issue I ever had was a yamaha 2.5 motor for a canoe, they typo the motor to 25 was a PIA to get corrected.  

[BilletHead]

              Well Keith this can go smooth like my friends above said. Or it can me a nightmare depending on the DMV you are working with. I have horror stories about the nightmare part but finally got it straightened out. One thing It took me to figure out finally is first of all call the state DMV and talk to one of the workers there. IMO the contract local DMV places are scared to death to make a mistake and are gun shy making a decision. Call the state and tell them what you have going on. I have worked with two there on two different deals and all went well including a visit from a Highway patrolman to look over a flatbottom boat that never had taxes paid on at purchase many, many years ago since it went directly to a farm pond and never went to state waters and never had a motor on it. Was a form I had to get the seller to fill in a couple places and sign. Patrolman ran the vin number and checked out the boat to make sure what I had was correct on the form. He signed it and I mailed all I needed to the State DMV bypassing the local DMV. That was even suggested by the State. Quick turnaround and no hassle from the local ladies. For a few years we had the Gestapo running our local office. Not anymore. The new regime is really nice and can get proper answers for us. Fair but doing it the right way. If you decide to buy just give the state a call for advice first. Might save you some time and headache friend.

[MrGiggles]

I have only done outboards but I suspect boats and trailers are similar. If it is not titled, you will need the prior state's registration documents, and the DMV's bill of sale form. The name and serial number on it will need to match the registration documents, and include the sale price for taxes. You can print the bill of sale form off their website.

It wasn't difficult at all for me, but I suspect it can be if all you have is scribbles on a sheet of notebook paper.

[fishinwrench]

5 hours ago, BilletHead said:

          Well Keith this can go smooth like my friends above said. Or it can me a nightmare depending on the DMV you are working with.

This is definitely true.....and it's frustrating as hell.   If you have a friend/relative at the license bureau they can make anything happen without a hitch.   But if you don't they will 100% try to ruin your day.  

[jdmidwest]

Illinois titles everything, kayaks and maybe even trolling motors.  My first kayak came from Illinois and they had a title app waiting for me at the register, showed MO license and away I went.  I think MO even did trolling motors at one time, I have seen some with stickers.

Nice thing about MO DMV, if you have an issue with one office, you can go somewhere else.  I have been to a few good ones and consistent with good service.  I will never go back to a crowded one that is a pain or rude to deal with.

[Ken1949]

Illinois does not require registration for non motorized vessels, including canoes and kayaks. Only if it is motorized, do you need to register. That includes vessels powered by trolling motors. As far I know, Illinois has never required an individual registration for outboard motors or trolling motors.

[jdmidwest]

On 6/17/2024 at 7:28 PM, Ken1949 said:

Illinois does not require registration for non motorized vessels, including canoes and kayaks. Only if it is motorized, do you need to register. That includes vessels powered by trolling motors. As far I know, Illinois has never required an individual registration for outboard motors or trolling motors.

25 years ago, they tried to hand me a title app.

Both of my motors from Illinois had titles, but they did not sticker them like Missouri does.

[fishinwrench]

I probably shouldn't post this publicly, but a portable outboard is a PORTABLE OUTBOARD! 

You are required to carry a copy of the BOAT REGISTRATION but that registration has no mention of what motor pushes it.  

A portable outboard burrowed from a friend in another state (including states that do not title outboards) is perfectly legal, as far as I know.  Are you following me here?