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How old do you have to be buy a boat in your state?
I am looking for a state law (any US state) that says: you "must be 18 year old or older to purchase, and or register, and or title - a boat or car in your name".
FYI - I am not talking about the "age or majority" or the age a minor is legally considered an adult. I am specifically looking for a law in any state that prohibits someone under 18 from buying, registering, and owning a boat or car in their name.
For example: the "age of majority" (legal & drinking age) in Texas is 18. But, according to TX DOT (confirmed yesterday, by phone) Texas has no minimum age restrictions for buying, registering, or putting the title in the name of someone under 18.
I don't believe any state prevents someone under 18 from buying, registering or owning a boat or car.
So, here is your chance to prove me wrong - that should be worth more then the 10pts.
A link to your states DOT or DMV that provides a minimum age statement to buy a boat or car, will prove me wrong.
PS. I don't want "insurance or loan" issues. I am aware of them. If it is a cash deal - I believe a kid can buy a boat or car as legally as they can buy candy. (After all - unlike cigarettes and booze - I have never seen a "proof of age" ID warning on a boat or car.) And in the case of a boat (unlike a car) there is no law that says it has to have liability insurance.
Derrick - Sorry Derrick, but I think you have made a wrong assumption. I bought a car and a boat before I was 18 in Texas. My oldest son bought a boat in Florida before he was 18, and my youngest boat a car, boat, and motorcycle before he was 18 in NY State. As I mentioned, I don't debate the issue on the "age of majority". I am simply looking for "one single state" that prohibits a minor from buying a boat or a car, registering it, and taking title to it in his name alone - as I do not believe there is such a law. Your mention of "trusts and trustee" has nothing to do with anyone not under the "age of majority" control of the Courts - that only takes place in cases of orphans, minority ward of the Courts, and execution of a Will or no Will regarding a minor's inheritance, It does not come in to play otherwise. . . Please! Someone - prove me wrong - but no assumptions. Give me a link - from any State - that says "you must be 18
1 Answer
- Derrick SLv 79 years agoFavorite Answer
The issue that you have isn't a local, State issue, it's the Legal basis to be able to enter into a "Contract". The ability to enter into a Contract" is age 18. There aren't any laws that specifically says an under 18 y/o can't own something. There are States that allow things to be owned by someone younger than 18 to own, but it has to "Gifted" to that under age person. Then there's the issue of the taxes, transfer fees and other requirements that complicate ownership. Lots of times, ownership is held by a "Trustee" till the person turns 18 y/o.
While there may be NO restrictions on buying while under 18 y/o, there's the legal contractual age allowed. Most sellers won't work with you if you're under 18 and a contract has to be written. The main reason is to protect people under 18 from being taken advantage of. Should things end up in a Court battle, the seller is going to lose if a contract has been written, i.e, Bill of Sale, Transfer of Ownership, and several other "Contracts". These are all considered a form of Contract. This isn't my opinion, but that of the entire Court system of the USA.