Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat?

Yes. A boat bill of sale documents the private transfer between buyer and seller, captures the sale price for use-tax purposes, and gives the buyer evidence of ownership. Most state boating agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard accept a signed bill of sale as primary proof of ownership for transfer of registration or documentation.

What is a HIN and where do I find it?

A HIN (Hull Identification Number) is a 12-character serial unique to a boat hull, required on every boat manufactured in the US since 1972. You will find it stamped or molded on the upper starboard side of the transom — and often duplicated in a hidden secondary location inside the boat. Record the full 12 characters exactly on the bill of sale.

Are all boats titled?

No. Boat titling rules vary by state and boat length. Many states only title boats above a length threshold, often around 14 to 16 feet, or those with motors above a certain horsepower; smaller boats are registered without a title. The bill of sale is the primary ownership record for any boat that does not receive a title.

What about the outboard motor — does it need its own bill of sale?

Some states (including Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and South Carolina) title outboard motors separately from the hull. In those states, the outboard's motor serial number and a separate motor bill of sale are commonly required at registration, even if the boat itself does not receive a title.

What information should a boat bill of sale include?

Include the HIN, year, make, model, length, hull material, color, registration number (if any), motor serial number(s) and horsepower, trailer details (if included), sale price, sale date, full legal names and addresses for buyer and seller, and signatures from both parties.

Do I owe sales tax on a private boat sale?

Most states levy use tax on private boat sales the same way they tax used cars. The buyer typically pays the tax at registration based on the price recorded on the bill of sale. Some states also collect a separate motor use tax on outboards. Recording the actual sale price accurately matters because the state will use it for tax assessment.

Free Boat Bill of Sale Template

Generate a printable, state-aware boat bill of sale in minutes. HIN, registration number, outboard motor serial(s), trailer details, signatures, and instant PDF download — works in all 50 states.

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Why a boat sale needs more than a generic bill of sale

Boat sales involve more moving parts than most private vehicle transactions. The hull has its own 12-character HIN, the outboard motor often has its own serial number and in some states its own title, the trailer is a separate titled item, and federal documentation through the U.S. Coast Guard can sit on top of state registration. A generic vehicle bill of sale will miss most of these fields.

A purpose-built boat bill of sale captures the HIN, motor serial(s), trailer details, and registration number in one document. It is the document buyers bring to register the boat, claim insurance, prove ownership at marinas or roadside inspections, and pay the correct use tax. Sellers rely on it to release liability the moment ownership transfers.

What to include on a boat bill of sale

HIN (Hull Identification Number) — 12 characters, on the upper starboard transom. Every US-built boat from 1972 onward has one.
Year, make, model, length, hull material, and color.
Registration number — the state-issued bow number (e.g. "FL 1234 AB") if the boat is currently registered.
Outboard motor serial number(s) and horsepower — note each motor individually for twin-engine setups.
Trailer details — VIN, year, make, and condition if a trailer is included; many states title boat trailers separately.
Sale price and sale date — used for use-tax assessment.
Full legal names and addresses for buyer and seller, plus contact details.
Signatures, date, and notary block where the state requires acknowledgement on titled boats.
"As-is" language — most private boat sales are as-is with no warranty; spelling that out protects the seller from later repair claims.

State-by-state notes for boat sellers

Boat titling and registration vary widely. The notes below highlight common patterns; always confirm with your state's boating agency or DMV before signing.

Florida, Texas, California: boats above a state-set length threshold are titled and registered through the wildlife or DMV agency; bill of sale is required for transfer plus use-tax payment at registration.
Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina: outboard motors are titled separately from the hull; you will need a motor bill of sale or a single bill of sale that lists both the hull HIN and the motor serial number.
New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin: robust state titling programs for boats above the length threshold; trailers are typically titled separately at the DMV.
Coast Guard documented vessels: federally documented boats (often over 5 net tons) transfer through a Coast Guard bill of sale plus a state registration where the boat is principally moored. The bill of sale you issue should include both the state registration data and the Coast Guard documentation number.
Other states: titling thresholds vary by length and motor size — see your state's boating page for the exact rule.

How to complete a boat bill of sale

Record the boat's HIN, year, make, model, length, hull material, and color from the transom and registration documents.
Record any outboard motor serial number(s) and horsepower; note whether the trailer is included in the sale.
Collect full legal names, addresses, and contact details for both buyer and seller.
Agree on the final sale price and sale date, including any condition statements like "as-is".
Generate the bill of sale, fill in the boat and motor details, and add buyer and seller information.
Both parties sign and date the bill of sale, with notary acknowledgement if your state requires it on titled boats.
Provide the buyer with the signed bill of sale, current registration, title (if any), and any maintenance records.

Boat bill of sale by state

Open a state-specific boat bill of sale page for any US state to see local titling rules, the boating agency, and a customised template.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat?: Yes. A boat bill of sale documents the private transfer between buyer and seller, captures the sale price for use-tax purposes, and gives the buyer evidence of ownership. Most state boating agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard accept a signed bill of sale as primary proof of ownership for transfer of registration or documentation.
What is a HIN and where do I find it?: A HIN (Hull Identification Number) is a 12-character serial unique to a boat hull, required on every boat manufactured in the US since 1972. You will find it stamped or molded on the upper starboard side of the transom — and often duplicated in a hidden secondary location inside the boat. Record the full 12 characters exactly on the bill of sale.
Are all boats titled?: No. Boat titling rules vary by state and boat length. Many states only title boats above a length threshold, often around 14 to 16 feet, or those with motors above a certain horsepower; smaller boats are registered without a title. The bill of sale is the primary ownership record for any boat that does not receive a title.
What about the outboard motor — does it need its own bill of sale?: Some states (including Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and South Carolina) title outboard motors separately from the hull. In those states, the outboard's motor serial number and a separate motor bill of sale are commonly required at registration, even if the boat itself does not receive a title.
What information should a boat bill of sale include?: Include the HIN, year, make, model, length, hull material, color, registration number (if any), motor serial number(s) and horsepower, trailer details (if included), sale price, sale date, full legal names and addresses for buyer and seller, and signatures from both parties.
Do I owe sales tax on a private boat sale?: Most states levy use tax on private boat sales the same way they tax used cars. The buyer typically pays the tax at registration based on the price recorded on the bill of sale. Some states also collect a separate motor use tax on outboards. Recording the actual sale price accurately matters because the state will use it for tax assessment.

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