2014 Indiana Code TITLE 9. MOTOR VEHICLES ARTICLE 31. WATERCRAFT TITLING AND REGISTRATION CHAPTER 2. WATERCRAFT CERTIFICATES OF TITLE
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IC 9-31-2
Chapter 2. Watercraft Certificates of Title
IC 9-31-2-1
Nonapplicability of chapter
Sec. 1. This chapter does not apply to the following:
(1) A watercraft from a jurisdiction other than Indiana using the
waters of Indiana for less than sixty (60) consecutive days.
(2) A ship's lifeboat.
(3) Watercraft other than motorboats unless the owner
voluntarily desires to become subject to this chapter.
(4) A watercraft that is a Class 5 or lower motorboat or sailboat
under IC 6-6-11-10 (the boat excise tax), unless the owner
voluntarily desires to become subject to this chapter.
(5) A watercraft that is propelled by an internal combustion,
steam, or electrical inboard or outboard motor or engine or by
any mechanical means, including sailboats that are equipped
with such a motor or engine when the sailboat is in operation
whether or not the sails are hoisted, if:
(A) the watercraft was made by an individual for the use of
the individual and not for resale; and
(B) the owner does not voluntarily desire to become subject
to this chapter.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.378.
IC 9-31-2-2
Watercraft requiring registration; exception
Sec. 2. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a watercraft that
is required to be registered in Indiana must have a certificate of title
issued under this chapter.
(b) A watercraft acquired by the Indiana owner of the watercraft
before January 1, 1986, is not required to have a certificate of title
until after ownership of the watercraft is transferred to another
person.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11.
IC 9-31-2-3 Version a
Transfer or acquisition of title; necessity for transfer or obtaining
of title certificate
Note: This version of section effective until 1-1-2015. See also
following version of this section, effective 1-1-2015.
Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in section 5 of this chapter, a
person may not transfer ownership of a watercraft that was acquired
by the person after January 1, 1986, without delivering to the
transferee of the watercraft a certificate of title with an assignment
on the certificate of title that shows title in the transferee.
(b) A person who acquires ownership of a watercraft after January
1, 1986, must obtain a certificate of title for the watercraft under
section 6 of this chapter.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11.
IC 9-31-2-3 Version b
Transfer or acquisition of title; necessity for transfer or obtaining
title certificate; offense
Note: This version of section effective 1-1-2015. See also
preceding version of this section, effective until 1-1-2015.
Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in section 5 of this chapter, a
person may not transfer ownership of a watercraft that was acquired
by the person after January 1, 1986, without delivering to the
transferee of the watercraft a certificate of title with an assignment
on the certificate of title that shows title in the transferee.
(b) A person who acquires ownership of a watercraft after January
1, 1986, must obtain a certificate of title for the watercraft under
section 6 of this chapter.
(c) A person who violates this section commits a Class A
infraction.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.217-2014,
SEC.155.
IC 9-31-2-4
Necessity for certificate of title to obtain right, title, claim, or
interest in watercraft
Sec. 4. (a) Except as provided in section 30 of this chapter, a
person acquiring a watercraft from the owner of the watercraft,
whether the owner is a manufacturer, importer, dealer, or otherwise,
does not acquire any right, title, claim, or interest in or to the
watercraft until the person has obtained a certificate of title to the
watercraft. A waiver or estoppel does not operate in favor of the
person against another person having possession of the certificate of
title, or manufacturer's or importer's certificate for the watercraft, for
a valuable consideration.
(b) A court may recognize the right, title, claim, or interest of a
person in or to a watercraft sold, disposed of, mortgaged, or
encumbered only if the right, title, claim, or interest:
(1) is evidenced by:
(A) a certificate of title;
(B) a certificate of title designating a transfer on death
beneficiary to the watercraft signed under section 30 of this
chapter; or
(C) a manufacturer's or importer's certificate issued under
this chapter; or
(2) is evidenced by admission in the pleadings or stipulation of
the parties.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.83-2008, SEC.9.
IC 9-31-2-5 Version a
Sale of watercraft to dealer; manufacturer's or importer's
certificate
Note: This version of section effective until 1-1-2015. See also
following version of this section, effective 1-1-2015.
Sec. 5. (a) A manufacturer, importer, dealer, or other person may
not sell or otherwise dispose of a new watercraft to a dealer, to be
used by the dealer for purposes of display and resale, without
delivering to the dealer a manufacturer's or importer's certificate
executed under this section and with those assignments on the
certificate as are necessary to show title in the purchaser of the
watercraft. A dealer may not purchase or acquire a new watercraft
without obtaining from the seller of the watercraft the manufacturer's
or importer's certificate.
(b) A manufacturer's or importer's certificate of the origin of a
watercraft must contain the following information along with any
additional information the bureau requires:
(1) A description of the watercraft, including, if applicable, the
make, year, length, dry weight, series or model, horsepower
rating, hull type, and hull identification number.
(2) Certification of the date of transfer of the watercraft to a
distributor, dealer, or other transferee and the name and address
of the transferee.
(3) Certification that this is the first transfer of the new
watercraft in ordinary trade and commerce.
(4) The signature and address of a representative of the
transferor.
(c) An assignment of a manufacturer's or importer's certificate
shall be printed on the reverse side of the manufacturer's or
importer's certificate. The assignment form must include the
following:
(1) The name and address of the transferee.
(2) A certification that the watercraft is new.
(3) A warranty that the title at the time of delivery is subject
only to the liens and encumbrances that are set forth and
described in full in the assignment.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.379.
IC 9-31-2-5 Version b
Sale of watercraft to dealer; manufacturer's or importer's
certificate; offense
Note: This version of section effective 1-1-2015. See also
preceding version of this section, effective until 1-1-2015.
Sec. 5. (a) A manufacturer, importer, dealer, or other person may
not sell or otherwise dispose of a new watercraft to a dealer, to be
used by the dealer for purposes of display and resale, without
delivering to the dealer a manufacturer's or importer's certificate
executed under this section and with those assignments on the
certificate as are necessary to show title in the purchaser of the
watercraft. A dealer may not purchase or acquire a new watercraft
without obtaining from the seller of the watercraft the manufacturer's
or importer's certificate.
(b) A manufacturer's or importer's certificate of the origin of a
watercraft must contain the following information along with any
additional information the bureau requires:
(1) A description of the watercraft, including, if applicable, the
make, year, length, dry weight, series or model, horsepower
rating, hull type, and hull identification number.
(2) Certification of the date of transfer of the watercraft to a
distributor, dealer, or other transferee and the name and address
of the transferee.
(3) Certification that this is the first transfer of the new
watercraft in ordinary trade and commerce.
(4) The signature and address of a representative of the
transferor.
(c) An assignment of a manufacturer's or importer's certificate
shall be printed on the reverse side of the manufacturer's or
importer's certificate. The assignment form must include the
following:
(1) The name and address of the transferee.
(2) A certification that the watercraft is new.
(3) A warranty that the title at the time of delivery is subject
only to the liens and encumbrances that are set forth and
described in full in the assignment.
(d) A person who violates this section commits a Class A
infraction.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.379; P.L.217-2014, SEC.156.
IC 9-31-2-6 Version a
Application for certificate of title; time for filing; fees
Note: This version of section effective until 1-1-2015. See also
following version of this section, effective 1-1-2015.
Sec. 6. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), an application for
a certificate of title shall be filed with the bureau within thirty-one
(31) days after the date of purchase or transfer. The application must
be accompanied by the fee prescribed in IC 9-29-15-1.
(b) This subsection applies only to a watercraft acquired by a
conveyance subject to section 30 of this chapter. An application for
a certificate of title shall be filed with the bureau within sixty (60)
days after the date of the transfer under section 30 of this chapter.
The application must be accompanied by the fee prescribed in
IC 9-29-15-1 and any other applicable fees and service charges.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.83-2008,
SEC.10; P.L.125-2012, SEC.380.
IC 9-31-2-6 Version b
Application for certificate of title; time for filing; fees; offense
Note: This version of section effective 1-1-2015. See also
preceding version of this section, effective until 1-1-2015.
Sec. 6. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), an application for
a certificate of title shall be filed with the bureau within thirty-one
(31) days after the date of purchase or transfer. The application must
be accompanied by the fee prescribed in IC 9-29-15-1.
(b) This subsection applies only to a watercraft acquired by a
conveyance subject to section 30 of this chapter. An application for
a certificate of title shall be filed with the bureau within sixty (60)
days after the date of the transfer under section 30 of this chapter.
The application must be accompanied by the fee prescribed in
IC 9-29-15-1 and any other applicable fees and service charges.
(c) A person who violates this section commits a Class A
infraction.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.83-2008,
SEC.10; P.L.125-2012, SEC.380; P.L.217-2014, SEC.157.
IC 9-31-2-7
Application for certificate of title; certification; contents
Sec. 7. An application for a certificate of title must be certified by
the owner or purchaser of the watercraft and must contain the
following information:
(1) The name and residence address of the applicant and, if
different from the residence address, the applicant's mailing
address, and the Social Security number or federal
identification number of the applicant.
(2) The name and address of the previous owner.
(3) A statement of liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances on
the watercraft and the name and address of the holder of the
liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances.
(4) The former title number of the watercraft, if applicable.
(5) A description of the watercraft, including, if applicable, the
make, year, length, dry weight, series or model, horsepower
rating, hull type, and hull identification number.
(6) The purchase or acquisition date.
(7) Any other information that the bureau requires.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.381; P.L.262-2013, SEC.121.
IC 9-31-2-7.5
Application for certificate of title for watercraft requires
inspection
Sec. 7.5. (a) This section does not apply to the following:
(1) A new watercraft sold by a dealer that is licensed by the
state under IC 9-31-4.
(2) A watercraft transferred or assigned on a certificate of title
issued by the bureau.
(b) The bureau may not accept an application for a certificate of
title under section 7 of this chapter for a watercraft unless the
watercraft has been inspected by one (1) of the following:
(1) An employee of a dealer designated by the secretary of state
to perform an inspection.
(2) A military police officer assigned to a military post in
Indiana.
(3) A police officer.
(4) A designated employee of the bureau.
(5) An employee of a qualified person operating under a
contract with the commission under IC 9-16-1-4 for operation
of a full service license branch.
(6) An employee of a qualified person operating under a
contract with the commission under IC 9-16-1-4.5 for operation
of a partial service license branch.
(c) A person who inspects a watercraft under subsection (b) shall
do the following:
(1) Make a record of the inspection on the application.
(2) Verify the information contained in the application.
As added by P.L.262-2013, SEC.122.
IC 9-31-2-8
Hull identification number; application
Sec. 8. (a) If a watercraft contains a permanent hull identification
number placed on the watercraft by the manufacturer of the
watercraft, the number shall be used as the hull identification
number. If there is no manufacturer's hull identification number or if
the manufacturer's hull identification number has been removed or
obliterated, the bureau shall, upon a prescribed application, assign a
hull identification number to the watercraft. The assigned hull
identification number shall be permanently affixed to or imprinted by
the applicant at the place and in the manner designated by the bureau
upon the watercraft to which the hull identification number is
assigned. The fee prescribed under IC 9-29-15-2 and any other
applicable fees and service charges shall be paid to the bureau for
assigning a hull identification number.
(b) An application under subsection (a) must contain the
following:
(1) A description of the watercraft, including the make, year,
length, series or model, and, if known, original identification
number.
(2) The name and address of the applicant.
(3) The date on which the applicant purchased or obtained
possession of the watercraft.
(4) The name and address of the person from whom the
applicant purchased or obtained possession of the watercraft.
(5) Any other information the bureau requires.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.382; P.L.262-2013, SEC.123.
IC 9-31-2-9 Version a
Certificate of title; first application
Note: This version of section effective until 1-1-2015. See also
following version of this section, effective 1-1-2015.
Sec. 9. If a certificate of title was not previously issued in Indiana
for the watercraft, the application must be accompanied by one (1)
of the following:
(1) A manufacturer's or importer's certificate.
(2) A certificate of registration issued under IC 9-31-3, if
purchased by the applicant before January 1, 1986.
(3) A certificate of title or bill of sale.
(4) Other evidence of ownership required by the law of another
state from which the watercraft is brought into Indiana.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.383.
IC 9-31-2-9 Version b
Certificate of title; offense
Note: This version of section effective 1-1-2015. See also
preceding version of this section, effective until 1-1-2015.
Sec. 9. (a) If a certificate of title was not previously issued in
Indiana for the watercraft, the application must be accompanied by
one (1) of the following:
(1) A manufacturer's or importer's certificate.
(2) A certificate of registration issued under IC 9-31-3, if
purchased by the applicant before January 1, 1986.
(3) A certificate of title or bill of sale.
(4) Other evidence of ownership required by the law of another
state from which the watercraft is brought into Indiana.
(b) A person who violates this section commits a Class C
infraction.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.383; P.L.217-2014, SEC.158.
IC 9-31-2-10 Version a
Certificate of title; first application; certificate of hull
identification number
Note: This version of section effective until 1-1-2015. See also
following version of this section, effective 1-1-2015.
Sec. 10. Evidence of ownership of a watercraft for which an
Indiana certificate of title was not previously issued and that does not
have permanently affixed to the watercraft a hull identification
number shall be accompanied by the certificate of hull identification
number assigned by the bureau under section 8 of this chapter.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11.
IC 9-31-2-10 Version b
Certificate of title; certificate of hull identification number; offense
Note: This version of section effective 1-1-2015. See also
preceding version of this section, effective until 1-1-2015.
Sec. 10. (a) Evidence of ownership of a watercraft for which an
Indiana certificate of title was not previously issued and that does not
have permanently affixed to the watercraft a hull identification
number shall be accompanied by the certificate of hull identification
number assigned by the bureau under section 8 of this chapter.
(b) A person who violates this section commits a Class A
infraction.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.217-2014,
SEC.159.
IC 9-31-2-11
Retention and verification of evidence of title; inspection; rejection
of application
Sec. 11. (a) The bureau shall:
(1) retain the evidence of title presented by a person upon which
the Indiana certificate of title is issued in accordance with
applicable document and record retention requirements; and
(2) use reasonable diligence in ascertaining whether the facts in
the application are true by checking the application and
documents accompanying the application with the records of
watercraft in the bureau.
(b) An authorized employee of the bureau may inspect a
watercraft to determine whether a certificate of title should be issued.
(c) The bureau may reject an application if the bureau is not
satisfied:
(1) of the genuineness, regularity, or legality of the application
or the truth of a statement made on the application; or
(2) for any other reason authorized by law.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.384.
IC 9-31-2-12
Filing of application and issuance of certificate of title; assignment
of certificate form
Sec. 12. (a) If the bureau is satisfied:
(1) of the genuineness and regularity of an application;
(2) that no tax imposed by Indiana law is owed as evidenced by
the receipt for payment or determination of exemption from the
department of state revenue; and
(3) that the applicant is entitled to the issuance of a certificate
of title;
the bureau shall issue a certificate of title containing the information
required in the application for a certificate of title, as prescribed by
section 7 of this chapter, as well as space for the notation and
cancellation of a lien, a mortgage, or an encumbrance.
(b) A form for the assignment of the certificate of title must
appear on the reverse side of the certificate of title. The assignment
form must include a warranty that the signer is the owner of the
watercraft and that a mortgage, a lien, or an encumbrance is not on
the watercraft except as noted on the face of the certificate of title.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.385.
IC 9-31-2-13
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.125-2012, SEC.386.)
IC 9-31-2-14
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.125-2012, SEC.387.)
IC 9-31-2-15
Cancellation of improperly issued certificates of title
Sec. 15. (a) If it appears that a certificate of title is improperly
issued, the bureau shall cancel the certificate. The bureau shall notify
the person to whom the certificate of title was issued, as well as any
lienholders appearing on the certificate of title, of the cancellation
and shall demand the surrender of the certificate of title.
(b) A cancellation under subsection (a) does not affect the validity
of a lien noted on the certificate of title.
(c) The holder of a certificate of title canceled under subsection
(a) shall return the certificate of title to the bureau immediately.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11.
IC 9-31-2-16
Transfers of ownership by operation of law; issuance of certificate
of title
Sec. 16. (a) If the transfer of ownership of a watercraft is by
operation of law (such as upon inheritance, devise, bequest, transfer
on death designation in accordance with section 30 of this chapter,
order in bankruptcy, insolvency, replevin, execution of sale, or under
an order of court), if a watercraft is sold to satisfy a storage or repair
charge, or if repossession is had upon default in performance of the
terms of a security agreement, the bureau shall issue to the applicant
a certificate of title to the watercraft upon:
(1) presentation of satisfactory proof to the bureau of ownership
and a right of possession of the watercraft;
(2) payment of the fee prescribed under IC 9-29-15-1 and any
other applicable fees and service charges; and
(3) presentation of an application for certificate of title.
(b) If an applicant cannot produce proof of ownership, the
applicant may apply to the bureau and submit evidence of ownership.
If the bureau finds the evidence sufficient, the bureau may issue a
certificate of title. If, from the records of the bureau, a lien appears
to be on the watercraft, the certificate of title must contain a
statement of the lien, unless the application is accompanied by
proper evidence of the satisfaction of the lien.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.83-2008,
SEC.11; P.L.125-2012, SEC.388.
IC 9-31-2-17
Late application for certificate of title
Sec. 17. If a person fails to apply for a title within thirty-one (31)
days after:
(1) obtaining ownership of a watercraft; or
(2) otherwise being required to obtain a certificate of title for a
watercraft;
the person shall pay a late title fee prescribed under IC 9-29-15-3.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.262-2013,
SEC.124.
IC 9-31-2-18
Distribution of use tax collections
Sec. 18. The bureau shall retain one percent (1%) of the use taxes
received under this article and remit the balance to the department of
state revenue in the manner prescribed by the department of state
revenue.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11.
IC 9-31-2-19
Change or destruction of watercraft; surrender and cancellation
of certificate of title
Sec. 19. (a) If a watercraft is dismantled, destroyed, or changed in
a manner that the watercraft loses the character of a watercraft or
changed in a manner that the watercraft is not the watercraft
described in the certificate of title, an owner of the watercraft shall
surrender the certificate of title to the bureau. The bureau shall, upon
notification to the holder of a lien noted on the certificate of title,
enter a cancellation upon the lienholder's records.
(b) Upon the cancellation of a certificate of title in the manner
prescribed by subsection (a), the bureau may cancel and destroy the
certificates of title.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.389.
IC 9-31-2-20
Duplicate certificates of title
Sec. 20. (a) If a certificate of title for a watercraft:
(1) is lost or stolen;
(2) is mutilated;
(3) is destroyed; or
(4) becomes illegible;
the owner of the watercraft, or the owner's legal representative or
successor in interest, as shown in the records of the bureau, shall
immediately apply to the bureau for a duplicate certificate of title.
(b) To obtain a duplicate certificate of title under subsection (a),
a person must:
(1) submit an application on a form prescribed by the bureau;
(2) furnish information satisfactory to the bureau concerning the
loss, theft, mutilation, destruction, or illegibility of the
certificate of title; and
(3) pay the applicable fee provided under IC 9-29.
(c) The word "duplicate" must be printed or stamped in ink on the
face of a certificate of title issued under this section.
(d) When the bureau issues a duplicate certificate of title, the
previously issued certificate of title becomes void.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.390; P.L.262-2013, SEC.125.
IC 9-31-2-21
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.125-2012, SEC.391.)
IC 9-31-2-22
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.125-2012, SEC.392.)
IC 9-31-2-23
Stolen or converted watercraft
Sec. 23. (a) Upon receiving knowledge of a stolen watercraft, a
law enforcement agency shall immediately furnish the sheriff's
department of the county from which the watercraft was stolen, the
department of natural resources, law enforcement division, and the
bureau with full information concerning the theft.
(b) If a stolen or converted watercraft is recovered, the owner or
recovering agency shall immediately notify the law enforcement
agency that received the initial theft report. The law enforcement
agency shall immediately notify the bureau, the department of natural
resources, the sheriff of the county from which the watercraft was
stolen, and other law enforcement agencies in the county.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.125-2012,
SEC.393; P.L.262-2013, SEC.126.
IC 9-31-2-24
Security agreements; perfection; record entry; discharge of lien
Sec. 24. (a) A security agreement covering a security interest in
a watercraft that is not inventory held for sale can be perfected only
if the bureau indicates the security interest on the certificate of title
or duplicate. Except as otherwise provided in this section,
IC 26-1-9.1 applies to security interests in watercraft.
(b) The secured party, upon presentation of a properly completed
application for certificate of title to the bureau together with the fee
prescribed by IC 9-29-15-1, may have a notation of the lien made on
the face of the certificate of title to be issued by the bureau. The
bureau shall enter the notation and the date of the notation and shall
note the lien and the date of the lien in the bureau's files.
(c) Whenever a lien is discharged, the holder shall note the
discharge on the certificate of title over the holder's signature.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.57-2000, SEC.5.
IC 9-31-2-25
(Repealed by P.L.125-2012, SEC.394.)
IC 9-31-2-26 Version a
Misdemeanor offenses
Note: This version of section effective until 1-1-2015. See also
following version of this section, effective 1-1-2015.
Sec. 26. A person who does any of the following commits a Class
A misdemeanor:
(1) Operates in Indiana a watercraft for which a certificate of
title is required without having a certificate as prescribed by this
chapter.
(2) Operates in Indiana a watercraft for which a certificate of
title is required for which the certificate of title is canceled.
(3) Fails to surrender a certificate of title upon cancellation of
the certificate by the bureau and notice of the cancellation as
prescribed in this chapter.
(4) Fails to surrender a certificate of title to the bureau, as
provided in this chapter, if the watercraft is destroyed,
dismantled, or changed in a manner that the watercraft is not the
watercraft described in the certificate of title.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11.
IC 9-31-2-26 Version b
Infraction offenses
Note: This version of section effective 1-1-2015. See also
preceding version of this section, effective until 1-1-2015.
Sec. 26. A person who does any of the following commits a Class
A infraction:
(1) Allows a watercraft that the person owns to be operated in
Indiana without having a certificate as prescribed by this
chapter.
(2) Fails to surrender a certificate of title upon cancellation of
the certificate by the bureau and notice of the cancellation as
prescribed in this chapter.
(3) Fails to surrender a certificate of title to the bureau, as
provided in this chapter, if the watercraft is destroyed,
dismantled, or changed in a manner that the watercraft is not the
watercraft described in the certificate of title.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.217-2014,
SEC.160.
IC 9-31-2-27 Version a
Felony offenses
Note: This version of section effective until 1-1-2015. See also
following repeal of this section, effective 1-1-2015.
Sec. 27. A person who does any of the following commits a Level
6 felony:
(1) Alters or forges a certificate of title or a manufacturer's or
importer's certificate to a watercraft, an assignment of either, or
a cancellation of a lien on a watercraft.
(2) Holds or uses a certificate, assignment, or cancellation,
knowing the document is altered or forged.
(3) Procures or attempts to procure a certificate of title to a
watercraft or passes or attempts to pass a certificate of title or
an assignment of title to a watercraft knowing or having reason
to believe that the watercraft is stolen.
(4) Sells or offers for sale in Indiana a watercraft on which the
manufacturer's or assigned hull identification number is
destroyed, removed, covered, altered, or defaced, with
knowledge of the destruction, removal, covering, alteration, or
defacement of the manufacturer's or assigned hull identification
number.
(5) Destroys, removes, alters, or defaces the manufacturer's or
assigned hull identification number of a watercraft.
(6) Uses a false or fictitious name, gives a false or fictitious
address, or makes a false statement in an application or
certificate required under this chapter or in a bill of sale or
sworn statement of ownership, or otherwise commits fraud in
an application.
(7) Sells or transfers a watercraft without delivering to the
purchaser or transferee of the watercraft a certificate of title or
a manufacturer's or importer's certificate to the watercraft
assigned to the purchaser as provided for in this chapter.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.158-2013,
SEC.165.
IC 9-31-2-27 Version b
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.217-2014, SEC.161.)
Note: This repeal of section effective 1-1-2015. See also
preceding version of this section, effective until 1-1-2015.
IC 9-31-2-28 Version a
Chapter violations; offenses
Note: This version of section effective until 1-1-2015. See also
following repeal of this section, effective 1-1-2015.
Sec. 28. A person who violates section 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, or 11 of
this chapter commits a Class C misdemeanor.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11.
IC 9-31-2-28 Version b
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.217-2014, SEC.162.)
Note: This repeal of section effective 1-1-2015. See also
preceding version of this section, effective until 1-1-2015.
IC 9-31-2-29
Rule violation; offense
Sec. 29. A person who violates a rule adopted to carry out this
chapter commits a Class A infraction.
As added by P.L.71-1991, SEC.11.
IC 9-31-2-30
Transfer on death conveyance; requirements
Sec. 30. (a) The owner or owners of a watercraft may create an
interest in the watercraft that is transferrable on the death of the
owner or owners by obtaining a certificate of title conveying the
interest in the watercraft to one (1) or more named individuals as
transfer on death beneficiaries.
(b) Subject to subsection (e), an interest in a watercraft transferred
under this section vests upon the death of the owner or owners.
(c) A certificate of title that is:
(1) worded in substance as "A.B. transfers on death to C.D." or
"A.B. and C.D. transfer on death to E.F."; and
(2) signed by the owner or owners;
is a good and sufficient conveyance on the death of the owner or
owners to the transferee or transferees.
(d) A certificate of title obtained under this section is not required
to be:
(1) supported by consideration; or
(2) delivered to the named transfer on death beneficiary or
beneficiaries;
to be effective.
(e) Upon the death of the owner or owners conveying an interest
in a watercraft in a certificate of title obtained under this section, the
interest in the watercraft is transferred to each beneficiary who is
described by either of the following:
(1) The beneficiary:
(A) is named in the certificate; and
(B) survives the transferor.
(2) The beneficiary:
(A) survives the transferor; and
(B) is entitled to an interest in the watercraft under
IC 32-17-14-22 following the death of a beneficiary who:
(i) is named in the certificate; and
(ii) did not survive the transferor.
(f) A transfer of an interest in a watercraft under this section is
subject to IC 6-4.1.
(g) A certificate of title designating a transfer on death beneficiary
is not testamentary.
(h) In general, IC 32-17-14 applies to a certificate of title
designating a transfer on death beneficiary. However, a particular
provision of IC 32-17-14 does not apply if it is inconsistent with the
requirements of this section or IC 9-31-2-16.
As added by P.L.83-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.143-2009,
SEC.4; P.L.6-2010, SEC.5; P.L.36-2011, SEC.2.
IC 9-31-2-31
Service in the armed forces; transfer of certificate of title of
watercraft
Sec. 31. (a) An Indiana resident who:
(1) is serving in the armed forces of the United States; and
(2) holds a certificate of title for a watercraft;
may authorize transfer of the certificate of title to another person by
submitting a signed letter to that effect to the bureau. The letter must
be accompanied by proof that the Indiana resident is actively serving
in the armed forces of the United States outside Indiana.
(b) When the bureau receives the letter and proof described in
subsection (a), the bureau may transfer the certificate of title to the
person named in the letter. The letter must be attached to the
certificate of title being transferred and becomes a permanent record
of the bureau.
(c) The bureau shall use reasonable diligence to determine if the
signature on the letter authorizing the transfer is authentic. If the
bureau is satisfied that the signature is authentic, the bureau shall
issue to the person named in the letter an appropriate certificate of
title over the signature of the bureau and sealed with the seal of the
bureau.
As added by P.L.262-2013, SEC.127.
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