I’ve been here, but with a more unique situation.

I bought a boat from a guy that bought the boat a few months prior from another guy and didn’t register anything, or get the title for the trailer. It wasn’t a big purchase, so I couldn’t pass it up. I took the risk.

I could register the boat just fine, but it took me 9 months before I had the trailer title (no boat title) in my name and title in hand. I went through issues, but the biggest issue was the lost title. The state was slow in issueing a new title, the bank was slow in releasing the title and the state was slow again to transfer into my name. Had the original owner not cooperated, I was in for a headache.

The DNR will not tell you anything about the title or liens.

The DMV will not tell you anything either. If the owner lost the title you can get a form and have the owner sign off to get a new title.

However, with a person who won’t cooperate it’s not easy. I inquired with attorneys and I didn’t get a lot of easy answers, but a civil suit may be in order.

If the boat and trailer are in this guy’s name HE IS responsible for it! He holds liability if it’s involved in an accident. Call him again and let him know things could be worse with this liability over his head.

I’m sure you’re aware of this, but a reminder, never hand over the cash until the title is signed off and in your possession. I took a risk myself, but luckily got it resolved.