Vessels sold after 2005 now get titles in North Carolina. Prior to 2005 it the boat was bought straight out without any bank liens you would get just a reg. With the Reg and a notarized bill of sale will get you a title in any other state. On that registration Card it will have a area on the right saying if the boat was titled (Y) for Yes and (N) for no. All boats got titled if it was Financed by a bank so the bank got the title. Once paid off then a new owner makes a purchase he only had to get a registration card prior 2005. From 2005 and on boats are now all titled. So if your looking at a boat and it only has a Reg that means it has had the same owner for a good while. All you have to do is ask the seller to look at reg card and it says on there titled (Y) for yes and (N) for no.

Hope this helps you
John/Carolina Marine...