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How can I obtain a bill of sale for a deceased owner's dock permit?

How can I obtain a bill of sale for a deceased owner's dock permit?

Q: Will a bill of sale work as a title for a boat?

A bill of sale alone cannot serve as a title for a boat. It documents the sale and transfer of ownership but does not provide legal title. To register the boat officially, you must obtain a title through the appropriate state agency, especially if the previous owner has passed away.

Q: Can I get a boat title with just a bill of sale?

No, you cannot obtain a boat title with just a bill of sale. A bill of sale is important for documenting the transaction but does not replace the need for a title. You must follow state-specific procedures to secure a title, especially if the previous owner has passed away.

Full question:

I OWN ONE SMALL BOAT DOCK AND ONE LARGE-THE LAST BILL OF SALE WAS ISSUED TO A PREVIOUS SOLE OWNER, BUT HE IS NOW DECEASED. HOW CAN I OBTAIN A BILL OF SALE FROM SOMEONE THAT HAS PASSED AND STILL SHOWES TO BE THE OWNER OF THE PERMIT LAST REGISTERED IN 1978?

Category: Wills and Estates
Subcategory: Probate
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Missouri

Answer:

A deceased person's ownership typically transfers through the probate process. To find out who inherits the deceased owner's share, contact the clerk of courts at the probate court in the county where the deceased lived.

According to Missouri law, if an owner dies without a surviving owner or beneficiary, the director of revenue can issue a new certificate of title under certain conditions. You may need:

A certified copy of a court order that approves the transfer or addresses the estate's administration.
A small estate affidavit with certification from the probate division clerk.
A notarized application for transfer from the deceased owner's personal representative, along with their letters of administration or testamentary and a court order approving the transfer.

For further details on transferring ownership of a vessel, refer to Missouri statutes (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 306.060).

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can the bill of sale be the title?

A bill of sale is not the same as a title. It serves as proof of sale and ownership transfer but does not grant legal title to the boat. To obtain a title, you must follow the appropriate legal procedures, especially if the previous owner is deceased. In Missouri, you may need to provide a certified court order or other documents to establish ownership legally.

How do you transfer a boat title when the owner is deceased in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, transferring a boat title when the owner is deceased typically requires a few steps. You will need to obtain a certified copy of the death certificate, a court order appointing a personal representative, and possibly a small estate affidavit. The personal representative can then apply for a new title with the relevant documents at the Department of Natural Resources.

Will a bill of sale work as a title for a boat?

How do you fill out the back of a boat title?

To fill out the back of a boat title, you typically need to provide details such as the buyer's name and address, the sale price, and the date of sale. Both the seller and buyer must sign the title. If the seller is deceased, the personal representative may need to sign and provide additional documentation to prove their authority.

How do you transfer a boat title when the owner is deceased in Virginia?

In Virginia, to transfer a boat title when the owner is deceased, you will need a certified copy of the death certificate and a court order or letters of administration for the estate. The personal representative can then complete the title transfer application and submit it to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Can I get a boat title with just a bill of sale?

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