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Phoenix, Arizona Boat Bill of Sale

Use this bill of sale when selling a boat in Phoenix, Arizona. It documents the transfer and helps you complete DMV title paperwork.

Phoenix, ArizonaBoatPopulation rank #5

What to include

  • Buyer and seller names and addresses
  • Boat VIN and vehicle details
  • Sale price and date
  • Signatures from both parties

Next step

Create a compliant bill of sale and download the signed PDF immediately.

Local Requirements — Maricopa County

DMV / Title Office

MVD Now – Maryvale MVD Office

Address

3320 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85009

Phone

(602) 255-0072

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Transfer Fees & Taxes

Title Transfer Fee

$4.00

Sales Tax Rate

8.60%

Base Registration Fee

$8.00

Arizona state rate 5.6% + Maricopa County 0.7% + Phoenix city rate 2.3%

Notarization: NOT REQUIRED

Arizona does not require notarization for a vehicle bill of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the title and a written bill of sale are sufficient.

Phoenix Transfer Checklist

  • Complete an AZ MVD title application (AZ Form 96-0236) within 15 days of sale
  • Seller must complete the assignment on the back of the Arizona title
  • Vehicle emissions test (VEI) required for Maricopa County vehicles
  • Use tax (5.6%) paid by buyer at time of title transfer if sold between private parties

County Information — Maricopa County

County Clerk / Recorder

Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court

Phone

(602) 372-5375

Boat market data and safety information

The most common boat makes in private-party sales are Bayliner, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Tracker, Yamaha. Average private-party boat prices range from $5,000–$75,000. Boats average 1.8 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Steering.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used boat

Before completing a boat bill of sale in Arizona, verify these safety items:

  • Verify Hull Identification Number (HIN) matches registration documents
  • Check for delamination, blistering, or water intrusion in fiberglass hulls
  • Inspect transom for softness or rot — the most expensive structural repair
  • Test all bilge pumps, navigation lights, and required safety equipment

Boat insurance and depreciation in Arizona

Boat insurance averages $200–$500/year for boats under 26 ft. Agreed-value policies are preferred over actual-cash-value. Boats depreciate 30–40% in the first 5 years. Aluminum fishing boats hold value better than fiberglass sport boats. Peak season for private boat sales is early spring (march–may) ahead of boating season, with an average of 45 days on market.

Boat registration and titling

Boats are classified as "Watercraft (state-registered) or USCG-documented vessel" for registration purposes. Boats are measured by length, not weight, for registration. Trailers have separate weight-based registration. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to boats.

Boat sales in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix residents completing a boat bill of sale should be aware of local requirements in addition to Arizona state rules. The state sales tax rate is 5.6%, dealer sales: 5.6% + county. private sales: flat $20 vlt instead. The most popular boat makes in Arizona include Bayliner, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler.

Arizona bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 2,871 bill of sale documents for Arizona transactions, with 77 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price

45% faster sale

Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.

Source: Experian / AutoCheck

$4,000 avg loss

NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.

Source: NHTSA

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

1 in 3 buyers

Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.

Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)

Frequently asked questions

What county is Phoenix in, and which office handles title transfers?

Phoenix is in Maricopa County. Title transfers are handled by the MVD Now – Maryvale MVD Office at 3320 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85009. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: (602) 255-0072.

What is the sales tax rate on a boat sale in Phoenix?

The combined rate is 8.60%. Arizona state rate 5.6% + Maricopa County 0.7% + Phoenix city rate 2.3%.

Is notarization required for a boat bill of sale in Phoenix?

No. Arizona does not require notarization for a vehicle bill of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the title and a written bill of sale are sufficient.

What fees should I expect when transferring a boat title in Phoenix?

Title transfer fee: $4.00. Base registration fee: $8.00. Sales tax at 8.60% is collected at the time of title transfer.