Transfer of ownership of boats with a certificate of title, certificate of number or registration

Wis. Stat. § 30.549
in effect
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(1) Duty of seller. (a) If the owner of a boat transfers all or any part of the owner’s interest in the boat, other than by the creation of a security interest, the owner shall give the current certificate of number card or the registration card to the new owner and shall deliver the current certificate of title, if the boat is required to be titled, to the new owner as provided under s. 30.541 (1). If the owner does not possess a current certificate of number or registration or a current title, the owner shall provide to the department any documentation or information the department determines to be necessary to effect the transfer of ownership. (b) When the owner of a boat that is voluntarily registered pursuant to s. 30.52 (1) (b) 1m. transfers all or any part of the owner’s interest in the boat, other than by the creation of a security interest, the owner shall send written notification of the transfer to the department within 15 days after the date of transfer. (2) Duty of purchaser. (a) Transfer of the ownership of a boat terminates the certificate of title and the certificate of number or registration for the boat except in the case of a transfer of a part interest which does not affect the transferor’s right to operate the boat. The transferee shall make application for a new certificate of title and a new certificate of number or registration within 10 days after the date of purchase as prescribed by the department. Upon receipt of the application accompanied by the required fee, the department shall issue a new certificate of title and a new certificate of number card or registration card for the boat. (b) The purchaser of a boat that is voluntarily registered pursuant to s. 30.52 (1) (b) 1m. need not register the boat upon transfer of ownership. (c) Notwithstanding s. 30.52 (5) (a) 2. or (b) 2., the department may not issue new certification decals or new registration decals if the fee specified under s. 30.52 (3) (h) rather than the appropriate fee specified under s. 30.52 (3) (b) to (g) is paid. The department shall not award a new identification number to the boat unless compliance with federal numbering regulations requires otherwise.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/30.549Fetched: 10/7/2026