OAR 250-010-0055: Certificates of Boat Title

(1) When the owner of a boat submits an application for Certificate of Boat Title only, and under normal circumstances the boat would require in addition to the title, a certificate of number, the Director shall not issue the title until first obtaining from the owner a signed statement that the boat will not be used on any waters over which this state has jurisdiction until all registration requirements have been complied with. (2) Before issuing a Certificate of Title for a boat the Director shall require "Proof of Ownership" which may include a notarized transfer of title by the previous title owners, a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) properly executed by the manufacturer, a Homemade Boat Builders Certificate properly executed by the builder, a Certificate of Boat Title issued by another state or an original certificate of number for boats previously registered in another state that does not issue a Certificate of Title for a Boat. (a) When an application is made for an initial Oregon title, the following boats must be inspected by the Oregon State Police, an Oregon county sheriff's representative, or Marine Board staff: (A) Homemade boats; and (B) Boats not titled and/or registered in Oregon or another state with the exception of new boats when a manufacturer's statement of origin has been submitted. (C) When a boat is currently unavailable for inspection or when it is evident that a typographical error or misinterpretation of a number or letter has occurred, a title and registration may be issued after a pencil tracing (rubbing) or digital photo is submitted, provided: (i) The boat has a title or out of state registration; (ii) There are no stolen records or red flags; and, (iii) The boat is more than 20 years old and/or has an estimated value less than $2,000. (b) The Board at its discretion may inspect any boat before issuing an Oregon title. (3) When an application for a certificate of boat title indicates that the legal owner of the boat is other than the principal owner, the title must be mailed to the legal owner. (4) An application to replace a lost boat title may be made to the Board. A lost boat title must be issued to the title owners indicated in the Board’s records, unless a notarized transfer of title signed by the previous title owners has been submitted in connection with the lost title application.