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Boat Bill of Sale Template – Free Download 2026

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When Do You Need a Boat Bill of Sale?

You are purchasing or selling a recreational vessel through a private party transaction and the state DNR or marine agency requires a written bill of sale to register the boat and calculate applicable sales or excise tax on the transaction.

The vessel is federally documented with the USCG through the National Vessel Documentation Center and the transfer requires a completed CG-1340 form accompanied by a notarized bill of sale to properly convey the documented vessel to the new owner.

You are buying a boat that comes with a trailer and need separate documentation for each asset because the state DNR registers the vessel while the DMV registers the trailer. Our vehicle bill of sale template can be used for the trailer portion of the transaction.

A marine survey has been completed on the vessel and you want the bill of sale to reference the survey findings, including the hull condition, engine hours, and fair market value determination used to negotiate the final purchase price.

You are transferring ownership of a vessel that was inherited, gifted, or won in a contest and need a bill of sale or transfer document to establish the value for tax purposes and to satisfy state registration requirements for the new owner.

The boat does not have a clear title due to an outstanding lien, missing registration, or chain-of-title issue, and you need a bill of sale to document the terms of the transaction while title issues are resolved with the lienholder or the state DNR.

What Should a Boat Bill of Sale Include?

Buyer and Seller Information

Include the full legal names, mailing addresses, and contact information for both parties. If the seller is a business entity such as a marina or dealer, include the business name, EIN, and dealer license number. The names should match the current vessel registration or USCG documentation.

Vessel Description and Hull Identification Number

Record the vessel's make, model, year of manufacture, length, hull material, hull color, and hull identification number (HIN). The HIN is a 12-character serial number required on all vessels manufactured after 1972 under the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 and 33 CFR Part 181. Verify the HIN on the transom matches the registration documents.

Engine and Propulsion Details

Document the engine make, model, horsepower, serial number, fuel type, and number of engines. If the engine is outboard, note whether it is included in the sale or sold separately. Include the engine hours if known, as this affects the vessel's value and is typically verified during a marine survey.

Trailer Information (If Applicable)

If a trailer is included in the sale, list the trailer make, model, year, VIN, and license plate number in a separate section. The boat trailer requires its own registration and title transfer through the DMV rather than the state boating agency. Keep the trailer and vessel pricing separate for accurate tax assessment.

Sale Price and Payment Terms

State the total purchase price for the vessel (and separately for the trailer if applicable). Specify the payment method and whether the full amount was paid at closing. If financing is involved, note the lender's information. Under 46 USC Chapter 125, federally documented vessels must have all liens and mortgages recorded with the National Vessel Documentation Center.

Condition and Warranty Disclosure

State whether the vessel is sold as-is or with specific warranties. Disclose any known defects, damage history, or insurance claims. Reference the marine survey if one was performed and whether the buyer had the opportunity to inspect the vessel prior to purchase.

Signatures and Notarization

Both parties must sign and date the bill of sale. For USCG-documented vessels, the bill of sale must be notarized and submitted with the CG-1340 to the National Vessel Documentation Center. For state-registered vessels, check whether your state requires notarization. E-signatures are accepted for most state-level boat transactions.

Signature Requirements

Electronic Signature

Both buyer and seller must sign the boat bill of sale. Electronic signatures are valid under ESIGN Act and UETA for most state registrations; however, USCG documented vessel transfers require notarized bills of sale submitted to the National Vessel Documentation Center.

How to Fill Out a Boat Bill of Sale

1

Enter Party Information

Fill in the full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller. If either party is a business, include the business name and tax ID. Verify names match the existing registration or USCG documentation.

2

Describe the Vessel

Enter the year, make, model, length, hull material, and hull identification number (HIN). The HIN is located on the transom (rear) of the vessel. Cross-reference the HIN with the registration or documentation to confirm the numbers match.

3

Enter Engine and Equipment Details

Record each engine's make, model, serial number, horsepower, and fuel type. Note the engine hours if available. List any additional equipment included in the sale, such as electronics, anchors, safety gear, or canvas covers.

4

Add Trailer Details If Included

If a trailer is part of the sale, enter the trailer year, make, VIN, and current registration number in the designated trailer section. The trailer will need to be transferred separately at the DMV, so keeping its information distinct from the vessel is important.

5

State the Sale Price and Condition

Enter the purchase price for the vessel and trailer separately. Select the condition (as-is or with warranty). Disclose any known defects. If a marine survey was performed, reference the surveyor's name, date, and report number.

6

Sign and Complete Transfer

Both parties sign and date the bill of sale. If the vessel is USCG-documented, have the document notarized and submit it with CG-1340 to the National Vessel Documentation Center. For state-registered boats, take the signed bill of sale to the state DNR or boating agency to complete the transfer.

Boat Bill of Sale Requirements by State

Boat Bill of Sale laws and requirements differ across states. Key variations include specific language requirements, notarization mandates, witness requirements, filing deadlines, and enforceability standards. Our templates incorporate state-specific provisions when you select your jurisdiction.

For the most comprehensive state-specific version, use our AI generator which automatically applies your state's legal requirements.

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Free Template vs Custom Boat Bill of Sale

FeatureFree TemplateCustom (AI or Attorney)
Basic vessel and party identification fields
HIN and engine detail sections
USCG documentation compliance languageCG-1340 reference-
Trailer section with separate pricing-
Attorney review and customization-
Digital download (PDF/Word)

Boat Bill of Sale Template FAQ

Do you need a bill of sale to register a boat?
Yes, most states require a bill of sale to register a boat that was purchased through a private party transaction. The state DNR or marine agency uses the bill of sale to verify the purchase price for sales tax calculation and to confirm the identity of the new owner. Some states also accept the signed registration certificate from the previous owner in lieu of a formal bill of sale, but having both documents is the safest approach.
Does a boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
For USCG-documented vessels, the bill of sale must be notarized before the National Vessel Documentation Center will process the transfer using the CG-1340 form. For state-registered boats, most states do not require notarization of the bill of sale, though some states require it for transactions above a certain value. Even when not required, notarizing a boat bill of sale is recommended for high-value transactions to reduce the risk of fraud disputes.
What is a hull identification number?
A hull identification number (HIN) is a 12-character serial number permanently affixed to every vessel manufactured after 1972. The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 and 33 CFR Part 181 mandate that the HIN be displayed on the starboard side of the transom. The HIN identifies the manufacturer, hull serial number, and date of manufacture. It serves the same purpose for boats that a VIN serves for motor vehicles and is essential for registration, title transfer, and theft recovery.
What should be included in a boat bill of sale?
A boat bill of sale should include the full names and addresses of the buyer and seller, the vessel's make, model, year, length, and HIN, engine details including make, serial number, and horsepower, the sale price, payment method, condition of the vessel, any warranties or as-is disclaimers, and signatures of both parties. If a trailer is included, its details should be listed separately. For USCG-documented vessels, include the documentation number and official vessel name.
Can I sell a boat without a title?
Some states do not issue titles for boats, relying instead on registration certificates. In title states, selling a boat without a title may require the seller to obtain a duplicate title from the state DNR before the transfer can be completed. For very old boats or homemade vessels that were never titled, some states offer a bonded title process similar to motor vehicles. A bill of sale alone is typically not sufficient to transfer ownership in states that require vessel titles.
What is the difference between USCG documentation and state registration?
USCG documentation is a federal system administered by the National Vessel Documentation Center under 46 USC Chapter 125 for vessels measuring five net tons or more. State registration is handled by the state DNR or boating agency and applies to all recreational vessels operated on state waters. Documented vessels still need state registration numbers if operated in state waters. The key advantage of USCG documentation is that it provides a preferred ship mortgage that takes priority over state-law liens.
Do I need a bill of sale for a boat trailer?
Yes, a boat trailer is a separate asset from the vessel and requires its own bill of sale for title and registration transfer. The trailer is registered through the DMV (not the state boating agency) and has its own VIN, title, and registration. When purchasing a boat with a trailer, list the trailer on a separate bill of sale or in a clearly separated section with its own price to ensure proper tax assessment and registration at both the DMV and the state boating agency.
How do I transfer ownership of a boat?
To transfer ownership of a state-registered boat, the seller signs the registration certificate or title over to the buyer, both parties complete a bill of sale, and the buyer takes these documents to the state DNR to register the vessel in their name. For USCG-documented vessels, the transfer requires a notarized bill of sale and a completed CG-1340 form submitted to the National Vessel Documentation Center. Both types of transfers typically require payment of sales tax or use tax by the buyer.

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Reviewed by licensed attorneys · Editorial policy · Last updated March 2026

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