I'm buying a boat and trailer from an estate sale. No motor. What paperwork do I need from them to register both? 10' aluminum flat bottom.

has it ever been registered?

bill of sale at minimum and notarized is even better, I would think there would be a notary at an estate sale.

Yes it has a plate on the trailer and tx numbers on the boat. I don't believe they know where the title is.

The state can identify the owner via the registration number, and issue a replacement title to same. The estate has the power to transfer it, so you may need some executor document along with the title, when you eventually get it.

If you can get the boat's TX numbers and/or the VIN number, the TPWD site has a search for registrations YOU can access. That will help you find the last owner. Normally, the last registered owner is the only one who can get a "lost title" replacement. Estate sales can be an exception, if the deceased is the last owner, and the estate supplies you with the required paperwork. If you have to involve a lawyer, you'll spend more than the rig is worth. Trailers are handled by DMV, and they have different rules and requirements. I would remove any decals or markings that show it was a factory-built trailer, take a picture and go to the county Tax Office with hat in hand and tell them it's home-made. Good luck, IslandJim

I did this once on a 14' v-bottom aluminum boat. It was a pain until I got all of the required paperwork from TPWD. I would advise you to go by the closest one to you, assuming they are open, and get the clerk to give you all of the docs needed. They are normally very nice about this and will highlight everywhere the owner of record or estate representative needs to sign and let you know what is needed in cases like this (death certificate, etc.).

I have to disagree with Jim on the removal of identifying information from the boat. That is illegal and violates the statements on the bottom of the title and title transfer documents.

rb7764: I wasn't talking about the boat. If you have former papers on the trailer, use them. If not make it a "homemade" trailer. IslandJim

Thanks Jim. He states that the trailer has a license plate. Hence it has already been registered with the state, although most likely not titled.

I would recommend the same as for the vessel, except at the local tax office or DMV. Have the clerk give you all the docs needed and highlight where current owner needs to sign and fill out.

Thanks for the help guys. After talking with the family a condition of the sale is they file for a lost title. The trailer should be ok with a bill of sale.

there is no such thing as a homemade trailer any more when you go to tag it you will have to take it to a dps office for inspection an they will attach a serial number to it i am a trailer dealer lots more hoops to jump thru now they really want all trailers titiled.