A boat bill of sale is the legal document that proves who owns a boat and transfers that ownership from one person to another
When you buy or sell a boat, a bill of sale creates an official record of the transaction. It shows the date of the sale, the names and signatures of both the seller and buyer, a description of the boat (including its hull identification number, or HIN), and the price paid. The document protects both parties: the seller has proof they no longer own the boat, and the buyer has proof they do.
A bill of sale is not the same as a title or registration. The title is the legal ownership document issued by your state's boating authority. The bill of sale is the private agreement between you and the other person that happens before or at the same time as the title transfer. Many states require you to file the bill of sale with your boating authority or Department of Motor Vehicles when you register the boat in the new owner's name.
Key Takeaways
- A boat bill of sale documents the sale between buyer and seller and includes the boat's hull identification number, sale price, and both parties' signatures.
- The bill of sale is separate from the title or registration, though many states require you to file it when you transfer ownership.
- You can create a bill of sale using a template specific to your state, since requirements vary by location.
- Both the buyer and seller should keep a signed copy for their records, even if your state does not require filing.
What information goes on a boat bill of sale
A standard boat bill of sale includes the seller's full name and address, the buyer's full name and address, the date of sale, and the sale price. It also requires a detailed description of the boat: the make and model, the year built, the hull identification number (HIN), the length, and the color. Some forms ask for the engine type and horsepower as well.
Both the seller and buyer must sign and date the document. Some states require the signatures to be notarized, meaning a notary public witnesses the signing and stamps the document. Check your state's boating authority website to see whether notarization is required where you live. The bill of sale should also include a statement that the seller warrants they own the boat free and clear, or disclose any liens (loans) against it.
Where to get a boat bill of sale template
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, Fish and Wildlife agency, or boating authority often provides a free bill of sale form on their website. Search "[your state] boat bill of sale form" to find the official version. Using your state's form ensures you include everything the state requires and that the document will be accepted when you file it.
If your state does not provide a form, you can find templates online through legal document services or boating organizations. However, verify that the template meets your state's requirements before you use it. Some states have specific language or fields they require, and using the wrong form can delay the title transfer or cause the document to be rejected.
How to fill out and sign the bill of sale
Print the form or open it on a computer and fill in all required fields in black or blue ink. Write clearly and use the full legal names of both buyer and seller, not nicknames. Enter the exact sale price, even if part of the payment was in cash, trade, or other goods. Leave no fields blank; if a field does not explore, write "N/A" so it is clear you did not skip it by accident.
Both parties should sign and date the document in front of a notary if your state requires it. If notarization is not required, both parties can still choose to have it notarized for extra protection. Each person should keep an original signed copy. Do not rely on a photo or email copy if you need to file the document with your state; most agencies require the original or a certified copy.
Filing the bill of sale with your state
After the sale, the buyer typically files the bill of sale along with an process for title transfer with the state boating authority or DMV. The important date to file varies by state—some require it within 10 days, others within 30 days. Check your state's website for the exact timeline and the address or online portal where you submit the documents.
The filing fee also varies by state and may be separate from the registration fee. Some states charge $10 to $50 to process a title transfer. The state will then issue a new title in the buyer's name. Until that happens, the bill of sale serves as proof of ownership, but you cannot legally operate the boat without a current registration.
What happens if there is a lien on the boat
A lien is a claim against the boat held by a bank or lender because the seller still owes money on a loan. If the boat has a lien, the seller must disclose it on the bill of sale. The lien holder's name and address should appear on the document. The seller is responsible for paying off the loan before the title can transfer to the buyer, or the lien holder must sign off on the transfer.
As a buyer, do not hand over payment until the lien is cleared. The safest approach is to have the sale go through an escrow service, where a neutral third party holds the money until the lien is released and the title is clear. This protects you from paying for a boat you cannot legally own.
Keeping records after the sale
Store your signed bill of sale in a safe place, such as a file cabinet or safe deposit box, along with your boat's title and registration. If you are the seller, keep your copy as proof you no longer own the boat and are not responsible for it. If you are the buyer, keep your copy until you receive the new title from the state, then keep both documents for as long as you own the boat.
If you ever need to prove when you bought or sold the boat—for insurance claims, disputes, or resale—the bill of sale is your primary evidence. A clear, complete, and properly signed bill of sale prevents confusion and protects both parties years after the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying a boat from a private person or a dealer?
Yes, a bill of sale is needed in both cases. Dealers may provide their own form, but you can use your state's standard form instead. Either way, the document creates a record of the sale and is often required to transfer the title.
What if I lose my signed copy of the bill of sale?
Contact the other party and ask for a copy. If you filed it with your state, you can request a certified copy from the boating authority or DMV for a small fee. Keep the copy you receive in a safe place to avoid needing to request it again.
Can I sell a boat without a bill of sale?
Technically you can, but it is not recommended. Without a bill of sale, there is no official record of the sale, and disputes can arise about who owns the boat or what was agreed to. Your state may also refuse to process a title transfer without one.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. A bill of sale is the sales agreement between buyer and seller. A title is the legal ownership document issued by the state. You need both to complete a boat purchase and transfer ownership.
What if the buyer does not file the bill of sale with the state?
The seller is no longer the legal owner once the bill of sale is signed, but the state's records may not reflect the change until the buyer files. If the buyer never registers the boat in their name, the seller could face liability for the boat. Always confirm that the buyer has filed the documents before considering the sale complete.