Key Takeaways 1. A boat bill of sale is a legally binding document that records the transfer of a watercraft from seller to buyer, including the vessel description, sale price, and both parties' signatures. 2. A boat bill of sale is NOT the same as a boat title. The title proves legal ownership; the bill of sale supports the title transfer and registration process. 3. In many states, a signed boat bill of sale is required to register a vessel with the state DNR, DMV, or equivalent marine authority. 4. The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is the boat equivalent of a VIN and must generally be included for the document to be accepted at registration. 5. Motor details, trailer information, and an as-is clause are commonly included but often missing from generic templates. 6. 360 Legal Forms builds a state-specific boat bill of sale through a guided questionnaire, with instant PDF or Word download and built-in e-signing.
What Is a Boat Bill of Sale?
A boat bill of sale, also called a vessel bill of sale or watercraft bill of sale, is a written record of a boat transaction between a seller and a buyer. It documents the vessel's identifying details, the agreed sale price, the date of transfer, and the signatures of both parties.
This form serves as the buyer's proof of purchase and as the seller's record that ownership was legally transferred. In many states, a boat registration agency, such as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or an equivalent marine authority, requires a signed bill of sale before issuing registration in the new owner's name.
Critical Distinction
A boat bill of sale is NOT the same as a boat title. The title is the government-issued document that legally proves ownership. The bill of sale supports the title transfer but does not replace it. In some states, boats do not require a title at all, and the bill of sale serves as the primary proof of ownership for registration. Always check your state's requirements before completing the sale.
Other Names for This Document
Depending on the state or context, this document may also be called:
- Vessel bill of sale
- Watercraft bill of sale
- Boat sale receipt
- Proof of purchase for the boat
- Marine bill of sale
- Boat ownership transfer form
360 Legal Forms will help you generate the correct version of this form for your state with our attorney-vetted templates.
Who Needs a Boat Bill of Sale Form?
Anyone selling or purchasing a boat privately should use this document. Common situations include:
- Private sellers: Protect you from future liability after the sale by documenting the exact date and terms of the ownership transfer.
- Private buyers: Serves as proof of purchase for registration and sales tax assessment with the state registration agency.
- Gift transfers: Even when no money changes hands, a bill of sale showing a $0 or "GIFT" price is generally required to support a title transfer and may help the recipient avoid sales tax based on the vessel's market value.
- Dealers and commercial sellers: While dealerships typically issue their own documentation, a bill of sale may still be required by the registration agency for certain vessel types.
- Buyers of boats with trailers: If the sale includes a trailer, that transfer is typically documented separately. Consider using a Trailer Bill of Sale alongside this form.
A bill of sale is generally not required for boats that remain unregistered, such as small non-motorized watercraft in states that exempt them from registration. Check your state's rules to confirm.
What Does a Boat Bill of Sale Include?
A complete boat bill of sale form should contain the following fields:
How to Fill Out a Boat Bill of Sale (Step by Step)
Follow these steps to complete your boat bill of sale accurately, whether you do so manually or through our guided questionnaire.
1. Gather Your Documents First
Have the vessel's title or registration documents, the HIN, and the agreed sale price ready before you begin.
2. Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name and current mailing address, exactly as they appear on the vessel's existing title or registration.
3. Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name and current mailing address. These details will be used when the buyer applies for registration in their name.
4. Describe the Vessel
Record the make, model, year, style (such as motorboat, sailboat, pontoon, or jet ski), length, hull material, and primary color of the watercraft.
5. Record the Hull Identification Number
Write the full 12-character HIN exactly as it appears on the boat. Do not abbreviate or estimate. An incorrect HIN can cause delays or rejection at registration. This is typically located on the upper starboard (right) side of the transom, or stern of the boat.
6. Include Motor and Trailer Details
If an outboard motor is part of the sale, record its make, model, horsepower, and serial number. If a trailer is included, document it separately or note its details here, and consider using a Trailer Bill of Sale alongside this form.
7. State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase amount in both numerals and written form. For a gift transfer, write "GIFT" and enter $0.
8. Add the As-Is Clause
Include a clear statement that the vessel is being sold in its current condition, without implied warranties. This protects the seller if the buyer discovers issues after the sale.
9. Confirm Lien-Free Status
The seller should attest that the vessel has no outstanding loans or liens. If a lien exists, it must be resolved before the title can transfer cleanly to the buyer.
10. Collect Signatures and Notarize if Required
Both parties must sign and date the document. In some states, notarization is required for the bill of sale to be accepted at registration. Check your state's requirements before finalizing.
How to Create a Boat Bill of Sale with 360 Legal Forms
Creating your boat bill of sale with 360 Legal Forms is straightforward. Answer a short, guided questionnaire about the vessel and the parties involved, and your document is generated automatically. Once complete, download it instantly as a PDF or Word file from your secure account.
What Information Will I Need?
- Full legal names and addresses of the seller and buyer
- Vessel make, model, year, style, length, and color
- Hull Identification Number (HIN)
- Registration and title number, if applicable
- Motor details, including make, horsepower, and serial number, if included
- Trailer details, if the trailer is part of the sale
- Sale price or gift designation
- The state where the vessel will be registered
Boat Bill of Sale Terms
- Hull Identification Number (HIN): A 12-character code assigned to every manufactured boat, used to identify the vessel in registration records.
- As-Is Clause: Language confirming the buyer accepts the boat in its current condition, with no warranty implied by the seller.
- Consideration: The payment or value exchanged for the transfer of the vessel.
- Lien: An outstanding loan or claim against the vessel. A lien must generally be released before the title can transfer to a new owner.
- Vessel Title: The government-issued document that proves legal ownership of the boat, separate from the bill of sale.
- Registration: The state process of recording the new owner's name and issuing a registration number, typically required before operating the vessel on public waterways.
Boat Bill of Sale Signing Requirements
In most cases, both the seller and the buyer must sign and date the document for it to be enforceable. Notarization may be required in some states, particularly for motorized vessels. Check your state's DNR, DMV, or equivalent marine agency requirements before finalizing.
Electronic signatures are generally valid across all 50 states under the federal E-SIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA laws. 360 Legal Forms includes a built-in e-signature feature, so both parties can sign online without printing.
Create and sign your boat bill of sale online today.
What to Do With Your Boat Bill of Sale
Once both parties have signed the document, each should keep a copy for their records. The buyer will typically need to submit the signed bill of sale, the transferred title (if applicable), and a completed registration application to the state marine or DMV agency to register the vessel in their name.
If the sale includes a trailer, register it separately and ensure both transfers are documented. Store a digital backup of the signed document in a secure cloud account in case the paper copy is misplaced.
Why Use 360 Legal Forms for Your Boat Bill of Sale?
Customized for you, by you
Create your own documents by answering our easy-to-understand questionnaire to get exactly what you need out of your Boat Bill of Sale. The form includes boat-specific fields, such as the HIN, motor details, and trailer information, that generic templates often leave out.
Right for your state
Each document on 360 Legal Forms is designed to be valid in all 50 states and can be customized to fit your situation. State registration requirements for boats vary widely, and our templates are built to reflect those differences.
Fast and straightforward
All you have to do is complete a guided questionnaire, then download and sign. No printer needed. You and the other party can sign online with our built-in e-signature feature.
360 Legal Forms is rated 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot, reflecting consistently positive feedback on ease of use and the quality of our documents across our library.
Conclusion
A boat bill of sale gives both the seller and the buyer a clear, documented record of the transaction, which is typically required to register the vessel and to protect both parties from future disputes. Whether you are selling a motorboat, pontoon, sailboat, or jet ski, having the terms in writing protects everyone involved.
Disclaimer: 360 Legal Forms is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only. Requirements vary by state. Always check your state's requirements or consult an experienced attorney before completing any legal document.
