(a) General rule.--Except as provided in section 5322 (relating to when certificate of title not required), every owner of a boat required to be registered in this Commonwealth shall apply to the commission for a certificate of title to the boat.
(b) Registration without certification prohibited.--The commission shall not register or renew registration of a boat required to be titled under subsection (a) unless a certificate has been issued by the commission or an application for a certificate has been delivered by the new owner to the commission.
(c) Penalty.--Failure to obtain a certificate of title as required by law is a summary offense of the second degree.