Buying a boat from another state?

[Jason P]

I'm looking at buying a boat that is registered in Texas. What steps do I need to take to do it right? Whats the average cost at the dmv? The boat selling price is around 9,000.

Thanks

Jason Pardini

[Skeeterman]

Best thing to do is call dmv they will tell you how to transfer over.

[Gator]

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/boatsinfo/boat.htm

[Cooch]

You'll need to stop off at DMV and git a transfer slip the previous owner must sign. YOu'll also prolly have to have him do the same thing for his DMV in Texas. I also believe that the registration of that boat in Texas, if current through 2005, will be good here in California for some period, as long as ya have the proper transfer paper work in hand. But you'll need to inquire with CAL DMV ta see how long this grace period really is.

[Guest]

with DMV...there was talk a few years ago that you might not be able to bring a used boat in if it didnt meet SMOG reqirements. which means, no EFI or Carberator motors.

korny

[Rob D]

It was not EFI or anything, it was a 91 Ranger. Just make sure you have titles for both the boat and the trailer, I would also get a bill of sale too.

Congratulations on the new boat
Rob

[kopper_bass]

Buying a boat from out of state is not a big hassle, but as stated above, you should get some documents off the internet before you make the sale.

A couple of things:
1 - there is NO concern for bringing an EFI or "other" engine into the state. You will not be able to take it on some lakes, like diamond valley, but there is no law that says you can't bring that into the state.

2 - you have 120 days to register your boat and trailer once you bring it into the state. Don't wait until the last minute though, as the penalties are huge at DMV if you fail to register in time!!

3 - Write up a "Bill of Sale" and breakout the cost for the boat, the motor, and the trailer. I am not 100% sure, but you likely will get hit with a use tax at DMV, even though the sale was in Texas. That is somewhere around 8% of the sale, but you only pay tax on the boat and trailer, not the motor, so break out those costs. Remember - the motor costs a lot!!

4 - Be sure to get the TITLE for the boat and trailer. These show ownership, not the registration. Some states don't title boats or trailers, so the registration card is the title, but check Texas DMV website to be sure. Without a title, CA DMV will not issue you a registration here.

5 - additional registration fees will be around $55 for the boat and $35 for the trailer.

6 - finally, once you have the boat, you will be getting a yearly statement in the mail from your local tax rep. asking for more tax money. The rate is based on where you live and the cost. again, break out those costs on the bill of sale.

7 - get insurance lined up BEFORE you drive it home. Call your insurance company now, tell them what you are thinking of buying, and ask them what info. they need to give you a quote and prepare the documents. Once done, you can go buy the boat, and immediately call your ins. co. to "authorize" the policy. You don't want to drive it home from Texas and have an unfortunate accident whereas it isn't insured yet. It has happened, even to people buying a brand new boat, seriously!!

and lastly - enjoy your boat!!

hope this can help you some. Feel free to email me if you need any additional info or have further questions.

Good Luck,

Kopper_Bass

[Cooch]

*NM*

[Gene]

FYI - when I vought a used boat out of state a few years back and went to register w/ DMV I was told I had to register within 10 days of purchase and COULD NOT use the boat on the water until registered. It may be different now but it pays to check.

Also get a separate bill of sale for boat, trailer and motor. You only need to register the boat and trailer so not including the cost of the motor in the bbil lof sale will save you on sales tax when registering.

[troutnut]

They are right about the seperate reciepts.

But the values on the reciepts should be on a $9000 boat

1. trailer $250
2. boat $1250
3. outboard motor $7500

I would ask the seller for 3 seperate reciepts with those values on them.
You will have to bring the boat and trailer to the DMV for a visual inspection of VIN #

You have to surrender the old license plate off the trailer at the DMV.

You pay sales tax and a bunch of fees based on either the value of the HULL or the TRAILER, not the motor.

On a $5500 boat I paid ~$600 taxes and fees to DMV to bring it in from Nevada.

Next time I will know better.

You have 10 days from when the vehicle "enters" California to do the DMV junk.

[Gene]

No need to tow the boat to DMV - any peace officer can do the DMV validation and give you the paperwork to take in to DMV when you register.

Be careful about undervaluing the boat - you may have to use the same bill of sale numbers for your insurance.