NASBLA Public Library

State titling of recreational boats is a system in which a state issues an official certificate of title that establishes legal ownership of a vessel and records important information such as the owner, vessel identification number, and any liens held by lenders. Titling benefits consumers by providing clear proof of ownership, helping prevent fraud, simplifying transfers during sales, and creating a documented process for resolving ownership disputes. It also benefits lenders by allowing them to perfect and record security interests, ensuring their lien is publicly documented and protected if the borrower defaults. As a result, vessel titling promotes confidence in the boating marketplace, supports lending and financing opportunities, and helps state agencies maintain accurate ownership records for enforcement, registration, theft recovery, and abandoned vessel management purposes.

This is a map of states that title recreational boats, including those that have adopted the Uniform Certificate of Title Act for Vessels (UCOTAV).