What documents establish legal ownership of a vessel?

The Certificate of Title or California Registration Certificate serves as the primary documents that establish legal ownership of a vessel. These documents contain crucial information about the vessel, including the owner's name and any liens against the boat, which are important for proving ownership and transferring the title if the vessel is sold.

While a bill of sale is an important document for the transaction, it may not be sufficient on its own to prove legal ownership in situations that require formal documentation, such as licensing or transferring ownership. Insurance documents relate to coverage for the vessel and do not serve as proof of ownership. A registration application is a process-related document that indicates intent to register the vessel but does not provide ownership verification until formal registration has been completed. Therefore, the Certificate of Title or California Registration Certificate is the definitive proof of legal ownership.