Have you, as a boat owner, ever questioned whether or not you needed to do a boat documentation renewal? Wonder no more! It’s possible that, if you’re like the majority of people, you don’t give boat paperwork much thought until it’s time to renew it. But you should know that several indicators might tell you whether or not it’s time to renew your subscription. In this article, we’ll discuss the top three warning indicators that indicate you need to start organizing those documents as soon as possible. The following are some indications that it may be time for you to renew the registration and title for your boat. Keep in mind that these are only basic principles; for detailed information, you should always contact the office of your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Your Boat’s Registration and Title Have Expired
Your boat’s title and registration have run out of time. There are several potential causes for this, but the most prevalent is that individuals grow too busy with their lives to conduct a boat documentation renewal when they should. While it’s always preferable to be safe than sorry, there are a few telltale signals that it’s time to renew your subscription. Make sure you have a safe location to store your boat paperwork if it is not registered to your address (and if you need a safe place for these documents, we recommend going with a digital storage solution). Though we know you to be a safe driver, now is a good time to double-check that your insurance and registration are up-to-date on all your cars. If you have this data in one place, you won’t have to worry about losing money due to missed payments or other penalties.
Get A Boat Documentation Renewal If You Don’t Have a Current Registration or Title for Your Boat
Not having your boat’s registration and title is the most glaring indicator that it may be time to renew them. You should renew your boat’s title and registration as soon as possible if you have any doubt about whether or not you still possess them. You can’t lawfully own or operate a boat on public waterways without the proper papers, including a title and registration. If you don’t have these, you might be fined heavily or possibly have your boat seized. It’s best to renew your boat’s title and registration as soon as feasible. Depending on where you reside, it might take a few days or many months. Without these papers, you may be held accountable for any damages that arise from using your boat without proper ownership documentation. If you have allowed these papers to lapse, there is work to be done.
The Name on Your Registration/Title Doesn’t Match The Name On Your Vessel Hull.
It’s essential to have your yacht registered as soon as possible after purchase. It’s comforting to know that you can present the boat’s title to anybody who asks to see it. However, updating the paperwork regularly is vital since the boat’s hull, and name may change over time. If the name on your boat’s hull differs from the name on your registration and title, it’s a good indication that it’s time to renew your registration and title. If the vessel has been altered or modified, the Coast Guard will need to check it before it may be used on the sea again. When selling or transferring a vessel, it’s essential to ensure the names match up to prevent buyer regret or legal complications. Other warning indicators include a document’s expiry date or repeated registrations for the same individual.
Your Documentation Has Been Lost or Damaged
Using an expired registration or title as evidence of ownership is not a good idea if the registration or title has been lost or destroyed. Cops that pull you over will want to examine these papers to ensure you’re up to date on all the rules and regulations. You may be issued a citation if you do not have the required paperwork. Extra hoops will be if you wish to sell your yacht without proper registration and a clear title. You should also know if you have moved since obtaining your new registration or title. A boat documentation renewal notification might have been sent to you, but you may not have received it if the DMV has an outdated or erroneous mailing address on file. The inability to successfully renew your papers may be the result of this.
You should contact the Maritime Documentation Center immediately if you notice any of the signs listed below. Don’t risk a ticket or fine. The staff at Maritime Documentation Center are available 24/7 to help you figure out the next step for your vessel documentation. You could call them at (800)-535-8570.