Boat Bill of Sale Template
A boat bill of sale identifies the vessel by its Hull Identification Number (HIN), covers the motor and trailer if they are part of the deal, and records the price and date. Most states register boats through the wildlife or parks agency rather than the DMV, and nearly all of them accept a signed bill of sale as proof of purchase. Pick your state and the form adapts to its rules.
Seller
Buyer
Boat details
Price and terms
Why a boat bill of sale matters
- Boats, motors and trailers can be three separate pieces of property; one bill of sale ties them to one sale.
- The state boat registration office needs the price for tax.
- Many used boats have no title; the bill of sale is the ownership chain.
- An as-is clause matters more on boats, where hidden hull or engine damage is common.
Before you sign
- The HIN is on the transom (back right corner), 12 characters.
- List the outboard motor separately with its serial number; motors are often registered or titled on their own.
- If a trailer is included, add its VIN; the trailer is titled through the DMV, not the boat office.
- Note whether the sale includes electronics, life jackets or other gear.
Boat Bill of Sale by state
Rules differ by state: some require a bill of sale for every sale, some only when the title has no price, and a few want it notarized. Pick yours for the exact rule, the form number and the agency.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Washington, D.C.
Other forms
- Vehicle Bill of Sale
- Motorcycle Bill of Sale
- Trailer Bill of Sale
- Firearm Bill of Sale
- Mobile Home Bill of Sale
- RV Bill of Sale
- ATV / UTV Bill of Sale
- Dirt Bike Bill of Sale
- Golf Cart Bill of Sale
- Jet Ski Bill of Sale
- Snowmobile Bill of Sale
- Scooter / Moped Bill of Sale
- Equipment Bill of Sale
- Tractor Bill of Sale
- Horse Bill of Sale
- Dog Bill of Sale
- Livestock Bill of Sale
- General Bill of Sale
- Business Bill of Sale
Ready-to-sign pack, $9
Seller copy, buyer copy, notary page. What's inside →
Common questions
Does a boat bill of sale need to be notarized?+
A handful of states ask for a notarized bill of sale on vessels without a title. Check the state registration page linked on each state page here, or use the notary block in the ready-to-sign pack.
Do I need a separate bill of sale for the trailer?+
You can list the trailer on the same document, but some DMVs want a separate bill of sale for the trailer because it is titled separately. Generate one on the trailer page in a minute.