Help registering an inherited boat!!

If this has already been discussed on here please point me in the direction.

My grandpa passed away 12yrs ago, before he died he gave me his 14' aluminum boat and trailer.
Im just now getting around to restoring it and trying to get the tpwd stickers and such.
The lady at TPWD said i needed a will or proof to get it transferred in my name.
Is there a way around this? It was not in his will. Can i just file a lost title claim?
I was on hold for 30min with the tax office just to be hung up on earlier. Just hoping for some info to get started in the right direction.
Any help would be appreciated.

I have a friend with the same issue. Please read the thread I the link. When time comes we may need members of this forum to help out on this issue.
http://forum.tinboats.net/viewtopic.php?t=39434

Thanks for the video and link! The only thing i can think is to have my grandmas lawyer draw up a transfer to me. Then i dont know if tpwd would accept that! It sure is mind boggling how the boat i learned to fish in everyday of the summer, and learned more life lessons in than anywhere else, may not ever be on the water again. Sure seems wrong. I have registration #s and tag receipts going back to 1965!

Might try sending in for a lost title in your Grandpa's name, When it comes in have your GrandMa sign it over to you,

Think there could be any legal blowback if they find out his signature is forged by my grandma? Legally speaking i guess since it wasnt in his will its her boat maybe?

Yes big time

Man this is frustrating

Try taking gramma down there with you so they can see her in person. That might just be what they need. Also bring the death certificate. These two combined should get you what you need.

It may come to that, i sure was hoping to leave her out of it. Thanks for the help fellas. If anyone finds any loopholes throw em my way!
Thanks again.

If he died without specifically stating in his will that it was to be transferred to you, according to TPWD your gramma would be the owner, would she not? All she would need to do is show a death certificate. Why can't she fill out the transfer papers, sign her 'married name' and transfer it to you through the normal channels? You would probably need the death certificate with her endorsement of the titles. We are a community property state...

Thats what im thinking, the lady at tpwd said no. But as i understood the law its her boat now. But maybe the tpwd ldy was having a bad day?!

do you have the original titles? if so it wont be a problem .

No original title in the paperwork i was given, but hopefully find it tomorrow!

if you cant find the titles get the serial numbers off of the boat an motor go call parks an wildlife an make sure it was titled in your grandfathers name get the plate number off the trailer an do the same this is the best way to start. it is not texas parks an wildlifes fault you don't have the proper paperwork to get it changed if the boat an motor was titled in his name an the trailer was registered to him it will be able to be done there is just a few steps that you have to go through to prove ownership.

Thanks ssmith, about to head out to my grandmas and start digging through more paperwork and memories!

TP&W may require an affidavit of heir ship. Ask your grandmother if the lawyer did one on your grandfathers death. If she has one, she can sign the boat over to you as a gift, and attach a copy of the affidavit to the title. Then you take that to TP&W. Good luck!