Boat Bill of Sale

A boat bill of sale records the private sale of a vessel from a seller to a buyer, including the boat’s details, the price, and an “as-is” transfer of ownership. It’s the document you’ll usually need to register the boat. Download the free boat bill of sale below in PDF or DOCX. No signup or email required.

What Is a Boat Bill of Sale?

A boat bill of sale is a written record that ownership of a watercraft has passed from a seller to a buyer. It identifies the exact boat — by make, model, year, and Hull Identification Number (HIN) — states the sale price and date, and confirms the seller legally owns the boat and is selling it free of liens, usually “as is.” For the buyer, it’s the proof of purchase needed to register and title the vessel; for the seller, it’s evidence that responsibility for the boat passed on the date of sale. Many states require a bill of sale as part of boat registration, which makes it an essential step rather than an optional one.

What Information a Boat Bill of Sale Needs

A complete boat bill of sale captures the vessel precisely so it can be registered without confusion. That means the seller’s and buyer’s names, the boat’s make, model, and year, and the Hull Identification Number (HIN) — the 12-character code that uniquely identifies the vessel, much like a car’s VIN. It also records the sale price and date, an “as-is” statement, confirmation the boat is free of liens, and the signatures of both parties. If a motor and trailer are included in the sale, their details belong on the form too.

When Do You Need a Boat Bill of Sale?

• Selling or buying a used boat between private parties
• Registering or titling a newly purchased vessel with your state
• Proving the purchase price for tax or insurance purposes
• Documenting an “as-is” sale so the seller isn’t liable for later problems
• Recording a sale that includes a motor or trailer

How to Fill Out a Boat Bill of Sale

1. Enter the seller’s and buyer’s full names.
2. Describe the vessel: make, model, and year.
3. Record the Boat Hull ID (HIN) exactly as it appears on the hull and title.
4. Enter the sale price and the date of sale.
5. Confirm the boat is sold “as is” and is free of liens (stated in the template body).
6. Include any motor and trailer details, then both parties sign and date; add notarization if your state requires it.

Registering and Titling a Boat

Buying the boat is only half the job — you’ll usually need to register it before you can legally use it on the water. Most states handle boat registration through a department of motor vehicles, natural resources, or wildlife agency, and they typically ask for the bill of sale, the title (if your state titles boats), and a registration application and fee. Some larger vessels may instead be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard. Because requirements differ from state to state, check with your local boating authority, and do it promptly — registration deadlines after a purchase are often short.

Don’t Forget the Motor and Trailer

A boat sale frequently includes two extra items that are legally separate: the outboard motor and the trailer. The motor may have its own serial number worth recording on the bill of sale, and in some states a trailer is titled and registered separately as a vehicle, with its own paperwork. Listing the motor and trailer details on the bill of sale — or using a separate form for the trailer — avoids confusion later and makes sure everything that changed hands is documented.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Copying the Hull ID (HIN) incorrectly — it must match the hull and title exactly
• Forgetting to include the motor or trailer when they’re part of the sale
• Not marking the boat “as is,” leaving the seller exposed to later claims
• Missing signatures or the sale date
• Assuming the bill of sale alone lets you use the boat — registration is usually still required

Buying a Used Boat: What to Check First

Before you sign, a little due diligence protects your money. Confirm the Hull ID on the paperwork matches the number stamped on the hull, and that the seller’s name matches the title. Check for any outstanding liens — a boat used as collateral for a loan can’t transfer cleanly until that loan is cleared — and ask for maintenance records and proof that the registration is current. If a motor and trailer are included, verify their serial numbers and that the trailer’s paperwork is in order. Finally, agree who handles registration and when payment changes hands, and never pay in full before the signed title and completed bill of sale are in your hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I write a bill of sale for a boat? Fill in the seller and buyer names, the boat’s make, model, year, and Hull ID, the sale price and date, and an “as-is” line, then both parties sign. The template above includes each field.

Can you register a boat with a bill of sale? Usually the bill of sale is a required part of registering a boat, along with the title (where applicable) and a registration form and fee. Exact requirements vary by state.

What is a Hull Identification Number? The HIN is a unique 12-character code on a boat’s hull that identifies the vessel, similar to a car’s VIN. It must be recorded accurately on the bill of sale.

Do I need to register the motor and trailer separately? Often yes — a trailer is frequently titled and registered as its own vehicle, and the motor may be listed separately. Record their details and check your state’s rules.

Does a boat bill of sale need to be notarized? Some states require it and some don’t. Confirm with your state’s boating or motor-vehicle authority before signing.

How much does this template cost? It’s free to download in PDF and DOCX.

Related Forms

Bill of Sale · Car Bill of Sale · Trailer Bill of Sale · Personal Watercraft Bill of Sale · Odometer Statement

This template is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Boat sale and registration rules vary by state — confirm requirements with your local boating authority.

Official resource: for the rules that apply to your situation, see your state DMV.

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