Buying boat with expired registration (pink slip) in 2005

[Tenedos]

Hello,

I am in the process of buying a boat and we are in the final stages of completing the transaction. I received a copy of the pink slip from the seller and the expiration date I see on it is 12/31/2005.

I don't know how to interpret this. Is this normal? Will this cause any issues to me during the transfer or will I be charged for any outstanding dues?

Not sure if it matters but I am in California.

Any insight will be very much appreciated!

[Kettlewell]

In most states a boat only needs to be registered if "operated," which is usually interpreted as being underway out on the water, though technically it could mean just being afloat in the water. Not sure about California, but I have never heard of a boat owner being ticketed for an expired registration while at the dock. In any case, I am pretty sure you would not be liable for the previous owner's lack of registration of the boat. Lack of paying property taxes or other back bills might be a different story. I assume the owner has a clear title and you will be getting that signed over to you--that is the important document, and/or the Coast Guard documentation.

[Cheechako]

Talk to the State.... CA is noted for it's gestapo tax collecting tactics.... if it's been in the water the taxes are likely due. If dry stored... not sure..

[fishead]

Be careful, never assume anything in california. If it's state titled I would check with DMV.

[sww914]

I would check with the DMV, the Ca DMV is getting pretty crazy. They (CHP) ticketed my truck with expired tags while it was parked at my house. Twice. They had to walk past 3 unregistered racecars to get to it.
Boats are a little different but we're dealing with crazy people here.
When I registered my dinghy in SF they told me that I had to bring the smog tag from the outboard in to register the boat. I told them that I didn't have a motor yet. They said that I didn't need to reg. the boat then. I said I wanted to anyway because I was planning to buy a used outboard that week. They said to bring the smog tag in after I bought the outboard. I explained that there were no smog tags on old outboards. They said that I couldn't get an old outboard for my new dinghy, that I had to buy a new outboard because there was no box to check on the form for a used outboard on a new dinghy. Crazy people.

[Tenedos]

To clarify, this is not the registration document of the boat. This is the "Certificate of Ownership" document (called the pink slip). According to broker, registration is renewed but is not reflected on the "Certificate of Ownership" document. Could anyone do me a favor and check what is written on their "Certificate of Ownership"/pink slip as the expiration date?

[Kettlewell]

Oh, that's right, "pink slip" always threw me for a loop in Beach Boys' songs too--not a term that means anything to many of us in other parts of the country.

[sww914]

Pink slips don't expire.

[EzzyD]

Originally Posted by sww914

Pink slips don't expire.

BUT.... a pink slip could be reissued if it is lost...

check with the DMV that no other pink slip has been issued..


Best of luck.

[Capt Phil]

If in CA, be very, very careful. Once you are on their radar screen, even if you are innocent of any infraction, the State will hound you to death. Been there and have been the subject of their craziness at virtually all levels of government. The outboard motor story is representative of how they treat tax payers, even if they try and comply with their laws. I won't even buy gasoline or a pack of gum in that state and certainly wouldn't live or own anything there. Phil

[Cheechako]

I dont get it.... why would the ownership doc have an expiration? sounds like a registration to me....