30.531 Certificate of title; requirements; exemptions.

(1) Certificate. The owner of a boat subject to registration or certificate of number requirements in this state, whether or not the boat is operated on the waters of this state, shall make application for certificate of title for the boat under the following circumstances:

(a) If the owner has newly acquired the boat, he or she shall make application under s. 30.533.

(b) If the owner applies for registration of a boat without holding a valid certificate of title previously issued to that owner by the department for the boat, he or she shall at the same time apply for a certificate of title.

(2) Prerequisite to registration. Except as provided in sub. (3), an applicant's eligibility for a certificate of title is a prerequisite to registration of the boat. If the applicant for registration holds a valid certificate of title previously issued to the applicant by the department for the boat, that is prima facie evidence of ownership of the boat and the applicant need not apply for a new certificate of title when applying for registration.

(3) Exemption.

(a) Boats exempt from registration requirements. A boat is exempt from both the certificate of origin and certificate of title requirements of this chapter if it is exempt under s. 30.51 (2) (a) from the certificate of number and registration requirements or exempt under s. 30.51 (2) (b) from the certificate of number requirements of this chapter.

(b) Boats under 16 feet. A boat is exempt from both the certificate of origin and certificate of title requirements of this chapter if it is less than 16 feet in length.

(bn) Boats voluntarily registered. A boat issued a registration card pursuant to s. 30.52 (1) (b) 1m. is exempt from both the certificate of origin and certificate of title requirements of this chapter.

(c) Boats purchased by nonresidents. A nonresident who purchases a boat in this state and who intends to title and register the boat in another state is not required to apply for a certificate of title under this chapter. A nonresident who purchases a boat in this state may apply for a certificate of title under this chapter.

History: 1987 a. 397; 1991 a. 39, 269; 1997 a. 198.