Alabama § 33-5B-17 - Transfer of Ownership.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 33-5B-17 — Transfer of Ownership., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 33-5B-17. Transfer of Ownership.
(a) On voluntary transfer of an ownership interest in a vessel covered by a certificate of title, the following rules apply:
(1) If the certificate is a written certificate of title and the transferor’s interest is noted on the certificate, the transferor shall sign the certificate and deliver it to the transferee. If the transferor does not have possession of the certificate, the person in possession of the certificate has a duty to facilitate the transferor’s compliance with this subdivision. A secured party does not have a duty to facilitate the transferor’s compliance with this subdivision if the proposed transfer is prohibited by the security agreement.
(2) If the certificate of title is an electronic certificate of title, the transferor shall sign and deliver to the transferee a record evidencing the transfer of ownership to the transferee.
(3) The transferee has a right enforceable by specific performance to require the transferor to comply with subdivision (1) or (2).
(b) The creation of a certificate of title identifying the transferee as owner of record satisfies subsection (a).
(c) A failure to comply with subsection (a) or to apply for a new certificate of title does not render a transfer of ownership of a vessel ineffective between the parties. Except as otherwise provided in Section 33-5B-18, 33-5B-19, 33-5B-23(a), or 33-5B-24, a transfer of ownership without compliance with subsection (a) is not effective against another person claiming an interest in the vessel.
(d) A transferor that complies with subsection (a) is not liable solely in the capacity as owner of the vessel for an event occurring after the transfer, regardless of whether the transferee applies for a new certificate of title.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 33-5B-17
What does Code of Alabama § 33-5B-17 cover?
Section 33-5B-17 ("Transfer of Ownership.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 33-5B-17?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 33-5B-17" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 33-5B-17 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.