Boat Sales In Georgia: Title Requirements And More

If you're selling a boat in Georgia, you might be wondering if you need to provide a title to the buyer. Well, the answer is a bit complicated. Georgia is an eTitle state for vessels, which means that once a boat is registered with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, it will have an electronic title in the vessel registration system. This eTitle makes it simple to sell the boat and re-register it in Georgia at a later date. However, Georgia does not require boats to have a title, and a bill of sale is often sufficient for transferring ownership. So, if you're selling a boat in Georgia, you don't necessarily need to provide a title, but make sure you follow the proper procedures for transferring ownership and notify the DNR of the sale within 15 days.

Georgia boat registration requirements

Boat registration in Georgia is required for all mechanically-propelled vessels and any sailboats longer than 12 feet used on "waters of this state". This includes any waters within the territorial limits of the state and the marginal sea adjacent to the state. However, registration is not required for privately-owned ponds or lakes not open to the public.

To register a boat in Georgia, you must provide proof of ownership, the hull identification number, and the length, make, year, and construction material of the boat. Proof of ownership can be in the form of a bill of sale, dealer's invoice, statement of gift, court order showing a transfer, insurance claim, or pawn shop claim. A signed Georgia Vessel Registration Application must also be submitted, and a paper title, out-of-state registration, or HIN number may be required in some cases.

Registration can be done online, by email, fax, or mail. The registration fees vary depending on the length of the boat, with boats shorter than 16 feet costing $35, from 16-26 feet costing $70, from 26-40 feet costing $140, and boats 40 feet and longer costing $210. A duplicate registration costs $11.

It is important to note that all boats equipped with a marine toilet must be registered with the Department of Natural Resources and must have a permit. The certification fee for a Marine Toilet Certificate is $15 ($5 certificate fee plus $10 transaction fee).

Boat owners in Georgia must also report the sale, transfer, theft, recovery, destruction, or abandonment of their boat within 15 days.

In terms of boat operation, anyone 16 and older can operate a boat in Georgia with proper identification on board. Boaters born after January 1, 1998, must complete a boater education course and keep the card on board. Children between the ages of 12 and 15 can operate a boat less than 16 feet long, including personal watercraft, after passing a boat education course approved by the Department of Natural Resources or if they are accompanied by a competent adult.

Title requirements for boats in Georgia

In Georgia, boats and watercraft must be registered with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, they must be registered for property tax with the County Tax Assessor's Office.

Georgia is an eTitle state for vessels. This means that once a vessel registration is approved, registered vessels will have a Georgia eTitle in the vessel registration system. Boat owners can log in to their account to see if an eTitle is present, or they can download the Boat Registration and Verification Record, which is the official record of eTitle. Outboard motors over 25 hp are included in the record.

While Georgia can produce printed paper titles upon request for a fee, owners, lienholders, and dealers are encouraged to use the free eTitle system. The eTitle makes the sale of the boat and re-registration in Georgia simple and ensures the safety of the title.

If a paper title has been issued, it is mandatory that the seller signs and gives the paper title to the buyer at the time of sale.

A Bill of Sale (BOS) for a boat must have adequate information to positively link the BOS to the boat. The following should be included on the BOS:

• Georgia or Other State Registration Number
• Year Built or Model Year
• Seller's and Buyer's Signature

A BOS does not need to be witnessed or notarized, although this is acceptable. If a BOS is not available or is inadequate, the customer should obtain an adequate BOS. If a BOS cannot be obtained, the Affidavit of Vessel Ownership process may be completed.

Registering a Boat in Georgia

To register a boat in Georgia, you will need:

• A valid driver's license or other form of identification
• Proof of vessel ownership, such as a bill of sale or a dealer's invoice
• A signed Georgia vessel registration application
• Method of payment

You can register a boat by visiting the DNR Go Outdoors Online Vessel System, logging in or creating a new account, and following the prompts to register a new vessel. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-366-2661 to speak to a DNR representative or mail your application to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Transferring ownership of a boat in Georgia

In Georgia, all mechanically-propelled vessels and any sailboats over 12 feet in length used on "waters of this state" must be registered with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. This includes boats purchased new or used that have never been registered in Georgia, as well as boats that are being re-registered or transferred to a new owner.

To transfer ownership of a boat in Georgia, the seller should:

• Notify the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) within 15 days of the sale or transfer. This can be done online, by phone, or in writing using the Certified True Bill of Sale for Vessels.
• Provide the buyer with a detailed bill of sale. The bill of sale must include the Georgia or other state registration number, year built or model year, and signatures of both the seller and buyer.
• If a paper title exists for the vessel, it must be transferred to the new owner. If a paper title was previously issued, it is mandatory to sign and give this to the buyer at the time of sale.
• Provide the buyer with the Georgia boat registration card.

The buyer should obtain the detailed bill of sale, the seller's registration card, and any other relevant documents, such as bills of sale that form a chain of ownership back to the original owner.

It is important to note that new owners of boats with unexpired registrations in another person's name must immediately apply for a new registration in their name before using the boat on Georgia waters. They cannot use the existing registration in the previous owner's name.

In addition to vessel registration, boats and watercraft in Georgia should also be registered for property tax with the County Tax Assessor's Office.

Bill of sale requirements for boats in Georgia

When selling a boat in Georgia, a bill of sale is required as proof of purchase and sale between the buyer and the seller. The bill of sale must include the vessel's identifying information and the agreed-upon purchase price.

The bill of sale should include the following:

• Georgia or other state registration number
• Year built or model year
• Hull identification number
• Construction material
• Seller's and buyer's signature

In addition to the bill of sale, other documents may be required to register a boat in Georgia, such as a valid photo ID, proof of identity, and registration fees. The registration fees vary depending on the boat's length and specifications.

It is important to note that all private sellers of a vessel in Georgia must report the sale or transfer within 15 days to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The department can be contacted by calling 1-800-366-2661, or by mailing the necessary documents to the following address:Georgia Department of Natural Resources

P.O. Box 934943

Atlanta, GA 31193-4943

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources also provides a list of supporting documents for boat registration, which can be found on their website. These documents include:

• Vessel Registration Application
• Affidavit of Vessel Ownership Form
• Abandoned Vessel Package
• Default of Security Interest/Transfer Statement Form
• Affidavit of Inheritance Form
• Notification of Sale, Theft, Recovery, Destruction or Abandonment of GA Registered Vessel Form
• Power of Attorney Form
• Security Interest or Lien Form

Additionally, boats in Georgia must be registered with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and property tax must be registered with the County Tax Assessor's Office.

Registering a boat from another state in Georgia

To register a boat from another state in Georgia, you must register for vessel registration with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. This applies to all mechanically-propelled vessels and any sailboats more than 12 feet in length used on "waters of this state".

You will need the following to register a boat in Georgia:

• A valid driver's license or other form of identification
• Proof of vessel ownership, such as a bill of sale or a dealer's invoice
• A signed Georgia vessel registration application
• Method of payment. Registration fees may vary depending on vessel specifications and other factors.

You can register your boat in Georgia by:

• Visiting the DNR Go Outdoors Online Vessel System and logging in or creating a new account
• Calling 1-800-366-2661 to speak to a DNR representative about your boat registration
• Mailing your application to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in Atlanta, GA 31193-4943

Depending on your situation, it may take up to four to six weeks to receive your registration. You will receive a registration card and two decals. A decal must be adhered to each side of your boat and the registration card must be kept on the boat.

You must renew your registration every 3 years.

Frequently asked questions