What Is a Boat Bill of Sale?

A boat bill of sale is a written record of a boat transaction between a buyer and seller. It documents important details such as the parties involved, vessel identification, purchase price, and sale date.

A bill of sale can help establish the transaction and support an ownership transfer. However, it does not automatically replace a boat title or registration. The documents required for transferring and registering a vessel depend on the state and the vessel’s circumstances. For example, California accepts a bill of sale as part of certain vessel ownership-transfer processes, while also requiring the appropriate ownership and registration documents.

For more information about ownership documentation, see the Boat Title Transfer Guide.

What Information Should a Boat Bill of Sale Include?

A complete boat bill of sale should identify the people, vessel, transaction, and signatures clearly.

Include the HIN carefully. An incorrect identification number can create problems when ownership records are checked.

If the boat, motor, and trailer are being sold together, identify each item clearly rather than assuming the trailer or engine is automatically included.

Before using a generic boat bill of sale, check your state’s boating or registration authority for current requirements. Some states may require specific forms, title documents, tax information, notarization, or additional transfer paperwork.

How to Fill Out a Boat Bill of Sale

Complete the form in the same sequence as the transaction.

1. Enter seller information. Use the seller’s legal name and current contact information.
2. Enter buyer information. Record the buyer’s legal name and address.
3. Identify the boat. Copy the HIN, make, model, year, and registration number accurately.
4. Document the engine and trailer. Add serial numbers or VIN information when applicable.
5. Record the financial terms. Enter the purchase price, deposit, balance, payment method, and sale date.
6. List included equipment. Specify major items included with the boat.
7. Review the document. Both parties should check names, numbers, dates, and prices.
8. Sign and date it. Each party should retain a signed copy.
9. After completing the sale, you may also need to plan for financing your next boat. Explore our boat financing resources to compare available options and estimate your monthly payments with our boat loan calculator.

Common Filling Mistake

Do not guess the HIN, registration number, or trailer VIN. Copy identification numbers directly from the relevant vessel or ownership documents.

After completing the form, use the Boat Sale Guide to review the broader transaction process.

Boat Bill of Sale Requirements by State

Boat bill of sale requirements are not identical across the United States. Some states may accept a general bill of sale, while others require specific ownership, registration, title, tax, or notarization documents.

For example, California lists bills of sale among documents that may support vessel ownership and transfer, and its DMV provides specific vessel registration and transfer procedures. Florida also has specific vessel documentation requirements, including information that may need to appear on a bill of sale in certain transactions.

Generic vs State-Specific Form

Always verify the current requirements with the state’s boating, DMV, tax, or registration authority before finalizing the sale.

Boat Bill of Sale vs Boat Title

A bill of sale and boat title serve different purposes.

A bill of sale may support a title or registration transfer, but it does not necessarily replace the title. California, for example, lists a Certificate of Ownership and bill of sale among documents used in vessel transfers.

If the seller has a lien on the boat, additional documentation may be necessary before the buyer can obtain clear ownership.

See the Boat Title Transfer Guide for the next stage of the ownership process.

What to Do After Signing the Boat Bill of Sale

Signing the bill of sale is not always the final step. The buyer and seller should complete the remaining ownership and registration requirements for their state.

Buyer Checklist

• Obtain the signed bill of sale.
• Obtain the boat title or other ownership document when applicable.
• Confirm the HIN matches the paperwork.
• Confirm any required lien release.
• Pay applicable taxes and fees.
• Submit the required registration or title-transfer documents.
• Keep copies of the completed paperwork.

Seller Checklist

• Sign and provide the required ownership documents.
• Give the buyer the agreed transaction paperwork.
• Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale.
• Complete any required notice of sale or transfer.
• Follow state-specific release-of-liability procedures when applicable.

For example, California requires sellers to submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within five days and provide vessel information such as the HIN, buyer information, and sale date.

Use the Boat Registration Guide to continue the post-sale process.

Common Boat Bill of Sale Mistakes

Small documentation errors can create delays during title or registration processing.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Entering the wrong HIN.
• Leaving the purchase price blank.
• Forgetting the sale date.
• Using incomplete buyer or seller information.
• Failing to list an included trailer or engine.
• Forgetting signatures or dates.
• Ignoring an existing lien.
• Assuming the bill of sale replaces the title.
• Using a generic form without checking state requirements.
• Failing to keep a signed copy.

If an error is discovered after signing, do not simply alter the document without checking the applicable state procedure. Corrected paperwork may need to be handled according to the agency’s requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a free boat bill of sale template?

Yes, a general template can provide a useful record of a private boat transaction. However, verify whether your state requires an official form or additional documents.

What should a boat bill of sale include?

It should generally identify the buyer, seller, boat, HIN, purchase price, sale date, and signatures. Engine, trailer, payment, lien, and equipment details can also be important.

Does a boat bill of sale prove ownership?

A bill of sale can document the transaction and may serve as proof of purchase, but ownership documentation and title requirements vary by state. California, for example, recognizes certain bills of sale as proof of vessel ownership while also using title and registration documents.

Does a boat bill of sale need to be notarized?

Not always. Notarization requirements vary by state and transaction. California states that its bill of sale does not require notarization or witnessing, while other jurisdictions or circumstances may impose different requirements.

Do I need the HIN on the bill of sale?

Including the Hull Identification Number (HIN) is strongly recommended because it uniquely identifies the vessel and can be required for ownership or registration documentation.

Should the trailer be included?

Yes, if the trailer is part of the sale, identify it separately. Some states treat boat trailers as separate titled or registered property. California, for example, states that a boat trailer must be registered separately.

What if the boat has a lien?

Do not assume the sale removes the lien. Obtain the appropriate lien-release documentation and follow the state’s ownership-transfer procedure before treating the transaction as complete.

Should both parties keep a copy?

Yes. The buyer and seller should each retain a signed copy along with the relevant title, registration, payment, and transfer records.

Can I write my own boat bill of sale?

A buyer and seller can generally document a private transaction using a written bill of sale, but the document must satisfy the applicable state requirements. Check the relevant state authority before relying on a self-created form.

What happens after the bill of sale is signed?

The buyer may need to complete title transfer, registration, tax payment, or other state requirements. The seller may also need to report the sale or release of liability, depending on the state. California, for example, has separate post-sale transfer requirements.

What If the Boat Is Federally Documented?

A federally documented vessel may follow different ownership-transfer procedures from a state-registered boat. The buyer and seller should verify the documentation requirements with the U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center and determine which ownership documents must be submitted.

What If I Make a Mistake on the Boat Bill of Sale?

Do not ignore an incorrect HIN, name, purchase price, date, or other important detail. Correct the document using the procedure accepted by the relevant state or agency. Both buyer and seller should retain copies of the corrected, signed documentation when required.