33 C.F.R. § 187.306 – Certificate of title required.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the owner of a vessel must deliver to the office of the State in which the vessel is principally used an application for a certificate of title for the vessel, with the applicable fee, not later than 20 days after the later of—
1. (1) The date of a transfer of ownership; or
2. (2) The date the State becomes the State of principal use.
(b) An application for a certificate of title is not required for—
1. (1) A documented vessel;
2. (2) A foreign-documented vessel;
3. (3) A barge;
4. (4) A vessel before delivery if the vessel is under construction or completed pursuant to contract; or
5. (5) A vessel held by a dealer for sale or lease.
(c) The office may not issue, transfer, or renew a certificate of number for a vessel issued pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 12301 unless it has created a certificate of title for the vessel or an application for a certificate for the vessel and the applicable fee have been delivered to the office.