Boat Bill Of Sale Template for the United States

A Boat Bill of Sale records the sale of a watercraft and transfers ownership from seller to buyer in the United States. It gives the buyer proof of purchase for titling and registration, sets out the terms of the sale, and gives both parties a written record of what was agreed. It applies to recreational boats, sailboats, personal watercraft, fishing boats and commercial vessels.

What is a boat bill of sale?

It is a written record of a boat sale signed by both parties. At a minimum it names the seller and buyer, describes the vessel, states the price, and confirms the date the sale took place. State agencies treat it as evidence that ownership has passed, which is why they ask for it before they will title or register the boat in the buyer's name. A standard boat bill of sale works for a private sale, a dealer sale or a gift, and you can print it, sign it and keep a copy for your records.

What should a boat bill of sale include?

A complete boat bill of sale usually covers the following:

• Parties. Full legal names and current addresses of the seller and buyer.
• Vessel description. Make, model, year, length, hull material and engine details.
• Hull Identification Number (HIN). The boat's unique 12-character identifier, similar to a car's VIN.
• Trailer and motor details. Serial numbers where a trailer or outboard motor is included in the sale.
• Price and payment. The purchase price and how it was paid. For a gift, note "gift" or a nominal amount such as "$1 and other valuable consideration."
• Condition and warranties. Whether the boat is sold "as-is" or with any warranty.
• Signatures and date. Both parties' signatures, with notarization or witnesses where the state requires it.

If you also need related paperwork, see the bill of sale for a boat and trailer or the fuller boat sales agreement for a more detailed transaction.

What does a boat bill of sale look like?

Here is a worked example of the core wording in a simple as-is sale:

"For the sum of $18,500, John Reyes (Seller, 42 Harbor Lane, Tampa, FL) sells and transfers to Maria Chen (Buyer, 9 Bayshore Dr, Clearwater, FL) one 2016 Boston Whaler 210 Montauk, length 21 ft, HIN BWCE1234J516, with a 2016 Mercury 150 outboard (serial 1B987654). The vessel is sold as-is, with no warranty. Dated this 3rd day of June, 2024."

Both parties sign below the statement, and a notary block or witness line is added if the buyer's state requires one for titling.

When do you need this document?

You need a boat bill of sale whenever you buy or sell a watercraft in the United States, regardless of size or type. State marine agencies ask for it to transfer registration, and the U.S. Coast Guard treats it as evidence of ownership for vessels that carry federal documentation. Private sales between family members or friends still need one to move ownership and liability across cleanly. Insurers also ask for a bill of sale before they will write or transfer a policy.

How do you title and register a boat after the sale?

After you sign the bill of sale, the buyer files it to title and register the boat with the relevant state agency. Depending on the state that agency may be the DMV, a boating or waterways office, or a wildlife and natural resources department. In Texas, for example, Texas Parks and Wildlife handles boat titling and registration, and in Virginia the Department of Wildlife Resources does. Most states require you to register the boat within 10 to 30 days of purchase, and titling often has to happen before or alongside registration. Bring the signed bill of sale, the prior title or registration, and proof of any sales or use tax paid. Keep a copy for your own records.

How to title and register a boat step by step

1. Complete and sign the boat bill of sale, with notarization or witnesses if your state requires them.
2. Confirm which state agency handles titling and registration where the buyer lives (DMV, waterways office or a parks and wildlife department such as Texas Parks and Wildlife).
3. Submit the bill of sale, the prior title or registration, and the completed application forms.
4. Pay any sales or use tax and the registration and titling fees.
5. Register the boat within the state deadline, usually 10 to 30 days of the sale.

Do you need to disclose anything?

Some states require the seller to disclose the vessel's condition, prior damage, flood history or any recorded lien. A lien has to be cleared or accounted for so clear ownership passes to the buyer. Even where disclosure is not mandatory, writing the boat's known condition into the document protects the seller from later claims and gives the buyer an accurate record of what they bought.

What happens with an interstate or Coast Guard-documented boat?

When the seller and buyer are in different states, both states' rules apply: the seller releases their registration and the buyer titles and registers in their home state, usually paying use tax there. Larger vessels carrying U.S. Coast Guard documentation follow a separate federal process, and the bill of sale forms part of the ownership evidence submitted alongside the federal paperwork. Check the specific requirements before you complete the sale, because missed steps can delay registration or leave the buyer unable to operate the boat legally.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notarize a boat bill of sale? It depends on the state. Some accept a signed bill of sale for titling and registration, while others require notarization or witnesses before they will process the transfer.

Can I use this bill of sale to title and register the boat online? Many state agencies now accept the bill of sale as part of an online registration application. Check your state's boating or wildlife department for its online process and any documents it needs uploaded.

Is the boat sold as-is? You can mark the sale as-is on the document, which means the buyer accepts the boat in its current condition with no warranty. State any known defects to keep the record accurate.