How do I get a duplicate boat title in Georgia?

Apply for a duplicate title at the Georgia DOR. You need the VIN, your photo ID, proof of ownership (registration, prior title, or bill of sale), and the $18 fee. Processing takes 10–15 business days.

Can I sell a boat with a salvage title in Georgia?

Yes, but you must disclose the salvage title in writing. Most buyers expect a significant price reduction. To make the vehicle road-legal, it must be repaired and pass Georgia's rebuilt title inspection ($50–$100). A salvage title permanently affects the vehicle's value.

How do I remove a lien from a boat title in Georgia?

Pay off the loan in full. The lender must release the lien within the timeframe required by Georgia law and provide a signed lien release or updated title. Contact the Georgia DOR if the lender fails to release the title after payoff.

What is a bonded title for a boat in Georgia?

A bonded title is used when the original title is unavailable and ownership cannot be established through normal channels. In Georgia, bonded titles are available for boats valued under $10,000. You purchase a surety bond for 1–2× the vehicle's value and apply for a bonded title through the Georgia DOR. The bond protects anyone who later claims legal ownership.

What if the boat title has the wrong name?

Take the title, your photo ID, and supporting documentation to the Georgia DOR. A name correction on a title typically requires a court order, affidavit, or documentation proving the error (such as a marriage certificate for a name change). The process varies by the type of error.

Boat Title Problems in Georgia (2025)

How to resolve common boat title issues in Georgia — lost title, salvage, active liens, bonded title, and name corrections.

Georgia — Quick Reference

Duplicate title fee$18
Duplicate processing time10–15 business days
Salvage threshold75% of actual cash value
Rebuilt inspection requiredYes — $50–$100
Bonded title availableYes (vehicles under $10,000)

Georgia's TAVT (Title Ad Valorem Tax) applies to rebuilt/restored vehicles as well as standard sales — based on fair market value, not the purchase price.

Note for Boat Owners

Vessels 26 feet or longer documented with the U.S. Coast Guard have a Certificate of Documentation instead of a state title. The USCG documentation process is separate from state DMV.

Common Boat Title Problems — How to Fix

📄Lost or Missing Title

Apply for a duplicate title at the Georgia DOR. Fee: $18. Processing time: 10–15 business days. You need the VIN, proof of ownership, and photo ID.

🔴Salvage Title

A salvage boat must be repaired and pass a rebuilt title inspection before it can be registered. Georgia inspection fee: $50–$100. Boat titles are governed by state law for vessels under 26 feet in length. Larger vessels may be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard instead.

🔗Active Lien on Title

The lender must sign a lien release before you can transfer the title. Pay off the loan in full, then request written confirmation from the lender that the lien is satisfied. Boat loans function like auto loans, but some lenders use UCC filings instead of title liens. Confirm the lien method before completing the sale.

🔏No Title (Bonded Title)

Georgia allows bonded titles for boats valued under $10,000. Purchase a surety bond for 1–2× the vehicle value, then apply at the Georgia DOR.

✏️Wrong Name on Title

Name corrections require documentation at the Georgia DOR: photo ID, affidavit of error, or a court order depending on the type of discrepancy. Contact the DMV before attempting the correction.

🌊Flood or Water Damage Brand

A flood title brand is permanent — it cannot be removed. A flood-branded boat must be disclosed to any future buyer. Significant water damage to the drivetrain, electronics, or (for EVs) the battery may make the vehicle uninsurable.

Buying a Boat With a Title Problem

Buyer Warnings

!Never pay full market price for a boat with a salvage or rebuilt title — expect 20%–40% below clean title value
!Always run a VIN check (Carfax, AutoCheck, or NMVTIS) before any private purchase
!A bonded title indicates the previous ownership chain was broken — proceed with caution
!A flooded title cannot be cleared — factor permanent water damage disclosure into your offer
!Verify there are no outstanding liens using the Georgia DOR VIN search before purchasing

FAQ — Boat Title Issues in Georgia

How much does a duplicate boat title cost in Georgia?: A duplicate title in Georgia costs $18. Processing takes 10–15 business days. Apply at the Georgia DOR with your VIN, photo ID, and proof of ownership.
What is the salvage threshold for boats in Georgia?: In Georgia, a boat is declared salvage when damage exceeds 75% of actual cash value. Boat titles are governed by state law for vessels under 26 feet in length. Larger vessels may be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard instead.
Can I sell a boat without a title in Georgia?: Technically, no — but Georgia offers a bonded title process for boats valued under $10,000. A bonded title allows legal sale and registration while protecting any prior owner who may appear. Contact the Georgia DOR to begin the process.

Official Resource

Georgia DOR →

Need a Bill of Sale?

A signed bill of sale is essential when selling a boat with a title problem in Georgia. It documents the transaction and both parties' knowledge of the title status.

Georgia Boat Bill of Sale →