SB 570 Summary

• Adopts the Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act, requiring the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to issue certificates of title for all vessels and vessel trailers where Alabama is the state of principal use.

• Owners must apply for a certificate of title within 20 days after a transfer of ownership or when Alabama becomes the state of principal use; applications can be filed with probate judges or other designated agents, with a $10 fee to the department.

• Establishes procedures for application requirements, certificate creation, security interest perfection, and transfer of ownership, with the department required to maintain searchable files and provide public access to certificate information.

• Defines exemptions for documented vessels, foreign-documented vessels, barges, vessels under construction, and dealer inventory; prohibits vessel registration or numbering until the owner obtains a certificate of title.

• Takes effect January 1, 2013, and repeals conflicting laws; amends Section 33-5-9 to require vessel owners to comply with certificate of title requirements before registration and numbering.