Are you considering donating a boat but don’t have the title paperwork? As a result, inquiries such as “Can I donate a boat without a title?” are extremely concerning.

Can I donate a boat without a title? How to donate a boat without a trailer
In this blog post, Scott Ewart provides information on how to go about making a donation even without the ship title. We demonstrate a detailed procedure to ensure that your donation process runs smoothly. Besides, we will also let you know how to donate a boat without a trailer. Whether you’re looking to donate an old fishing vessel or speedboat, discovering if and how you can give away your boat easily Let’s start!
Can I donate a boat without a title?

Can I donate a boat without a title?
The answer to this question, “Can you donate a boat without a title?” depends on what kind of boat you want to donate and what state you are living in. For example, because certain kinds of boats don’t need registration in Texas, we can donate them without a title. Generally, boats with titles are preferred by charitable organizations. The reason is that they provide a clear ownership history and can more easily be sold or donated to another party.
Case 1: Certain types of boats may be donated without a title

Certain types of boats may be donated without a title
Donate a boat for recreational use that is under eleven feet long and without a motor. They include canoes, kayaks, and rowboats. And you can know more
You won’t need the title if your boat is registered with the US Coast Guard. In that case, all you need to do is complete the USCG 1340 Bill of Sale form. You will require the following information:
- The Hull Identification Number
- The official document number (which is often on your insurance certificate)
- The name of the boat
Case 2: Types of boats that can be donated but need a title

Types of boats that can be donated but need a title
Sailboats, motorboats, and any other vessels that are longer than twelve feet or have a motor require titles to prove ownership.
In many places, you can gift your boat even if you’ve never registered it, as long as it’s used on a private lake. You can still gift it even if you’ve lost the title or the ownership has expired. In this case, you will need to submit a copy of your registration that includes the following:
- The year
- Manufacturer, model
- Length of your vehicle
- HIN (hull identification number)
Filling out the form for missing titles with a transfer is how the states of California and Florida permit transfers to be made.
To obtain a duplicate of an old registration card, you often do not need to renew your registration or bring it up to date. To get a copy of your boat’s registration card, present the department of boating with:
- Your state-issued registration number
- An outdated card
- A letter verifying ownership
- They will allocate you a replica and retain the original
Some information about tax receipts upon boat donation

Some information about tax receipts upon boat donation
There are three primary components that make up the IRS Form 1098C:
- The charity can give you a receipt for your donation based on how much your boat sold for.
- If the charity chooses to update or improve the boat with their own resources, they can supply you with a receipt for its fair market value. The donor will then have access to an appraisal. They’ll need an IRS Form 8283 if it’s over $5,000) and can use that number to claim a tax credit equal to the boat’s current fair market value.
- If the donor fails to attain the minimum of $500, which is mandated by the IRS for official recording purposes. Then the donor will receive an equivalent 1098-C receipt. This document won’t include any value, but it will contain a formal statement that specifies that its worth doesn’t surpass $500.
How to donate a boat without a title?

How to donate a boat without a title?
Prepare a receipt for the boat donation and transfer of ownership.
- Contact a charity or non-profit organization that accepts boat donations.
- Make a boat receipt. Add the boat’s make, model, year, and HIN, located in the back right corner.
- List the charity as the property recipient on the receipt. Address and location are required by the IRS. Also, include the donor’s name.
- Add a boat value to the receipt. The NADA book’s current market value is based on the boat’s specifications.
- Sign a Vehicle Power of Attorney. Obtain an already-printed form from your revenue agency.
- You should have a notary sign and witness the power of attorney before giving the boat title to a charity.
It’s essential to keep copies of all receipts and authorizations. All documents are necessary to send to the IRS in the future. In the case of boat trailers, you have to read more information in the post “Do boat trailers have titles?” It helps you prepare what you need to carry out your boat donation easily and quickly.
How to donate a boat without a trailer?

How to donate a boat without a trailer?
If you are looking to donate a boat without a trailer, there are several options available.
- Contact a charitable organization or non-profit.
- They will contact and arrange for it to be picked up and transported. They may take up your boat at no cost and at a time and location that are most suitable for you.
- The charity will give you a donation receipt, which will release you from all obligations as soon as it is given.
- They will put your yacht up for auction. They will issue you a receipt for the sale of your donated boat that is fully tax deductible within 30 days of the transaction.
- The receipt will include the final selling price of the boat.
This will be used to support and strengthen your case for a meaningful deduction on your itemized federal tax return for the coming year.
FAQs Can I donate a boat without a title?
How much tax deduction does donating a boat provide?
Yacht sales can be deducted from your taxable income under the IRS. Your tax-deductible receipt will reflect the full sale price of the boat. If your boat sells for less than $500, you’re entitled to the boat’s fair market value, up to $500.
What are the advantages of donating a boat?
Most charities will sell your donated boat to support their projects while you earn federal tax benefits. The IRS calculates the charitable deduction based on the boat’s selling price.
How can we make a boat donation in Illinois?
You must first find a charity that will accept it. Most charities have an online portal for boat donations and will provide you with the necessary paperwork. In Illinois, you can call toll-free at 1.888. 888.7187.
What are some good uses for a boat that you no longer want?
Donating a boat is one of the best options. Most charities will accept boat donations, and you can get a tax deduction for it as well. To lawfully dispose of your old boat, call a landfill or boat salvage yard. The pieces you can remove and salvage may also be worth something. Before scrapping your boat, consider selling it.
Conclusion
Can I donate a boat without a title? If you have a boat that you are looking to donate, you may be wondering if you need the title in order to do so. The answer is that it depends on what kind of boat you are donating. It is always best to check with the specific charity beforehand to see what their requirements are. Donating a boat can be a great way to help out a worthy cause, and justaddwaterbda.com hope that this information has been helpful in answering your question.