Buying a Used Boat From Alabama Private Owner

[TAKFishing]

Guys, can anyone explain to me what the registration/titling requirements are in the state of Alabama?

Not sure if Alabama titles boats, motors, trailers or none. I am looking at buying a private party used boat currently in Alabama and trying to understand what existing paperwork I will need to get from the current owner....I will be will be registering/titling in the state of Arkansas so want to make sure I have all the correct paperwork. Thanks in advance.

[KT978]

Bill of sale. Alabama doesn't have titles and neither does Arkansas. Sold a boat to someone in Pocahontas, Arkansas about 10 years ago. Bill of sale and witnesses on the bill of sale. Unless Arkansas has changed, Alabama does not title boat and boat trailer.

[TAKFishing]

Bill of sale. Alabama doesn't have titles and neither does Arkansas. Sold a boat to someone in Pocahontas, Arkansas about 10 years ago. Bill of sale and witnesses on the bill of sale. Unless Arkansas has changed, Alabama does not title boat and boat trailer.

Thanks KT. Arkansas does title boat trailers and now as of model year 2020 they title hulls. Any thoughts on how I would be able to confirm there is no lien or encumbrance on the boat/trailer/motor? Thanks again.

[1Holeshot]

I would contact one of the Alabama boat dealers in the sponsors section on BBC and ask them the question. Since they take trade ins a dealer would know for certain about requirements, liens, etc.

[mrlawler1]

Having just sold to a feller in Illinois, it's your responsibility to apply for the titles of boat and trailer in your state. All you will leave here with from a sale in Alabama is a copy of tag receipt and the bill of sale. That's basically it. All of your states paperwork is left up to you. The only registration that Alabama uses on boats is the yearly registration sticker. That covers boat, motor and trailer in Bama.

[TAKFishing]

Having just sold to a feller in Illinois, it's your responsibility to apply for the titles of boat and trailer in your state. All you will leave here with from a sale in Alabama is a copy of tag receipt and the bill of sale. That's basically it. All of your states paperwork is left up to you. The only registration that Alabama uses on boats is the yearly registration sticker. That covers boat, motor and trailer in Bama.

Thanks. I need to figure out how to determine if the boat is free of any liens. In my past dealings the bank, credit union, etc would hold the title or the title would have the bank’s interest listed accordingly. Absent titling as is the case in Alabama I don’t know how I would do this verification?

[Crankin]

Not to highjack the thread but what about moving to Alabama. My boat is registered in Michigan. What will I need to do to have the boat trailer and motor legal in Alabama?

[mrlawler1]

Not to highjack the thread but what about moving to Alabama. My boat is registered in Michigan. What will I need to do to have the boat trailer and motor legal in Alabama?

I'm sure your Michigan registration will be fine in order to swap it over.. All we really need here at the DMV is a bill of sale and they'll register it's in your name..

[mrlawler1]

Thanks. I need to figure out how to determine if the boat is free of any liens. In my past dealings the bank, credit union, etc would hold the title or the title would have the bank’s interest listed accordingly. Absent titling as is the case in Alabama I don’t know how I would do this verification?

This guy used a company I wouldn't recommend so I'm not gonna name it but they did have me get them boat inspected by a certified dealer which not only helps them but also the buyer ... And all the lien stuff was done thru them as well... But since there so much different stuff going on there than here, it's just that much more paperwork and as the seller I felt as if I was looking at buying a house because of all of it and I asked her why that was... Cross country buys are not simple as it is, so so the extra inspection and paperwork helps fill out the blanks of not being able to physically lay your eyes on the boat before buying...

[geodebasser]

I have lived in Alabama all my life and all you will get or need from Alabama as they do not title boats or trailers of that size. You need to worry about what Illinois will require for you to register.

[gehol]

I have lived in Alabama all my life and all you will get or need from Alabama as they do not title boats or trailers of that size. You need to worry about what Illinois will require for you to register.

What does Illinois have to do with it? Did you read the OP?

[Crankin]

What does Illinois have to do with it? Did you read the OP?

Geodebasser was replying to me as I slightly highjacked the op.

[tlefire]

Thanks. I need to figure out how to determine if the boat is free of any liens. In my past dealings the bank, credit union, etc would hold the title or the title would have the bank’s interest listed accordingly. Absent titling as is the case in Alabama I don’t know how I would do this verification?

If it is clear of any liens, he should have a UCC Financing Statement Amendment from the State of Alabama stating so.