Boats, Trailers, RVs, and ATVs
Transferring Titles to Boats, Trailers, RVs, and ATVs
When a loved one dies, it’s easy to focus on the house or car and forget about the other vehicles they owned, such as boats, trailers, RVs, and ATVs. But these are considered titled property, and just like a car, you cannot legally sell, transfer, or use them until ownership is properly updated.
The problem is that many of these vehicles are registered with different agencies, depending on their type. That means there is no one-size-fits-all process. Each type may require different forms, fees, and procedures. If you do not handle this correctly, you may encounter delays or legal issues in the future.
Where to start:
Make Sure You Have Legal Authority
Only someone with the legal right to act on behalf of the estate can transfer or sell a titled vehicle. This is usually the executor named in a will or someone who has been appointed by the court during the succession process. If you are not the legal representative of the estate, you cannot transfer the title or complete a sale.
If the vehicle title was solely in the deceased person’s name, it must go through succession proceedings before any action can be taken. If another person was listed on the title with rights of survivorship, which is uncommon but possible, the property may pass automatically to that person. Always verify this before moving forward.
Contact the Right Agency
In Louisiana, boats are registered through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). You can reach them at 1-800-256-2749 or visit wlf.louisiana.gov. Trailers, RVs, and ATVs are handled through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which can be reached at 225-925-6146 or at expresslane.org.
You will need to gather the original title, a certified death certificate, proof of your legal authority (such as Letters Testamentary or a Judgment of Possession), and complete the appropriate transfer forms. Fees will apply, and you may need to request a duplicate title if the original is missing.
Do Not Sell Too Soon
You cannot legally sell these vehicles until the estate has authority to do so, and the title is properly transferred. If there is an outstanding loan, that must be paid off before the title can be cleared and reassigned. Never deliver the vehicle to a buyer before the paperwork is in order.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Do not allow someone to use the vehicle before the title is transferred. Do not assume that registration proves ownership; the title is what matters. And do not skip contacting the appropriate agency based on the type of vehicle.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, consider consulting a Louisiana succession attorney to assist you in handling the transfer properly.
