Boat Bill of Sale Template: Free State-by-State Guide (2026)

Boat Bill of Sale: Quick Answer for Buyers and Sellers

A boat bill of sale is a written document that records the transfer of a vessel from one person to another. It gives both sides a dated record of the transaction and helps resolve title, registration, tax, or lien questions later.

While not every state requires a bill of sale for every boat sale, it is a smart default for any private transaction. Many state agencies ask for it during registration or title transfer, and even when they do not, it documents the price, date, and parties involved.

Question	Best answer
Do I need a bill of sale?	Use one for every private sale, even if your state also requires a signed title.
What must identify the boat?	Hull Identification Number (HIN), year, make, model, length, registration number if any, and current state.
Should the trailer be included?	List trailer details separately, including VIN, because trailer title and registration often follow motor-vehicle rules.
Should I sign before a notary?	Only if your state, lender, or title office requires it. If notarization is required, sign in front of the notary.
What should the buyer do before paying?	Match the HIN to the boat and paperwork, check lien status, and confirm the seller can transfer ownership.

What to Include in a Boat Bill of Sale

A complete boat bill of sale should contain the following information. Missing any of these items could cause problems during registration or title transfer.

Seller Information

Full legal name of the seller (as it appears on the title), current mailing address, phone number, email address (optional but helpful), and the date and location of the sale.

Buyer Information

Full legal name of the buyer, current mailing address, phone number, and the state where the boat will be registered.

Vessel Description

A thorough description of the vessel is essential. Include: the Hull Identification Number (HIN) — this is the most important identifier, the year of manufacture, the make and model, the overall length, the hull material (fiberglass, aluminum, wood, etc.), the engine type and horsepower, the registration number (if currently registered), and the current state of registration.

Transaction Details

The purchase price (in both numbers and written words to prevent alteration), the date of sale, the method of payment (cash, check, financing, etc.), and whether the sale includes any trailer, accessories, or equipment. If the boat is being given as a gift, note the gift status clearly and confirm whether your state wants a gift affidavit or tax exemption form.

Signatures

Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the document. Some states require the signatures to be witnessed or notarized. If your state requires notarization, do not sign until you are in front of a notary public.

Boat Bill of Sale Text Template

Below is a universal starting point. Copy this template and fill in the relevant details for your transaction, then add any state-specific items your agency requires.

BOAT BILL OF SALE

This Bill of Sale is made on __________ [Date of Sale] between:

SELLER: __________ [Full Legal Name], residing at __________ [Full Address], City: __________, State: __________, ZIP: __________

BUYER: __________ [Full Legal Name], residing at __________ [Full Address], City: __________, State: __________, ZIP: __________

The Seller hereby sells, transfers, and delivers to the Buyer the following described vessel:

Year: __________ Make: __________ Model: __________ Hull Identification Number (HIN): __________ Overall Length: __________ ft. Hull Material: __________ Engine Type: __________ Engine Horsepower: __________ Current Registration Number: __________ Current State of Registration: __________

For the total purchase price of: $__________ (__________ Dollars)

Method of Payment: __________ [Cash / Check / Bank Transfer / Financing / Gift]

The sale includes the following additional items (if any): __________ [Trailer VIN, electronics, safety equipment, outboard motor details, etc.]

The Seller represents that they are the lawful owner of the vessel, that the vessel is free of all liens and encumbrances (unless noted below), and that they have full authority to sell and transfer the vessel.

Known liens or encumbrances: __________ [None / Describe]

The vessel is sold "AS IS" with no warranties expressed or implied, unless otherwise noted: __________ [None / Describe any warranties]

Seller Signature: __________ Date: __________ Seller Printed Name: __________

Buyer Signature: __________ Date: __________ Buyer Printed Name: __________

Witness Signature (if required): __________ Date: __________ Witness Printed Name: __________

Notary Public (if required): __________ Commission Expiration: __________ [Seal]

State-Specific Requirements

While the template above works as a strong baseline, some states add extra steps:

Notarization. Some states require or recommend notarization for boat sales or title transfers. If your state does, sign in front of a notary public.

Witness requirements. A few states ask for one or two witnesses in addition to the buyer and seller.

State-specific official forms. Some agencies publish their own bill of sale or title-transfer form. Use the official form when required, or attach it to this template if the agency asks for both.

Extra disclosures. Some states ask for items such as engine hours, hull condition, or trailer details.

Tips for Buyers

Always get a bill of sale, even if the seller says it is not needed. It is your proof of purchase.

Verify the HIN on the physical boat matches the HIN written on the bill of sale and the title. The HIN is a 12-character code permanently affixed to the transom.

If the seller claims there are no liens, consider running a lien check to verify independently. You can also search the USCG Abstract of Title for documented vessels.

Use our registration checklist generator to ensure you have all required documents before heading to the registration office.

If financing the boat, your lender may require a bill of sale in a specific format. Check with them before the sale.

Tips for Sellers

Keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records. It proves you no longer own the vessel.

Report the sale to your state's registration agency when your state provides a seller notice or release-of-liability process. This helps document that the boat left your possession.

Cancel your insurance policy after the sale is complete and the boat is in the buyer's possession.

Release any liens before the sale. Buyers are rightfully wary of boats with outstanding liens, and most states will not process a title transfer until liens are resolved.

Using a Bill of Sale for Registration

When you register a privately purchased boat, the bill of sale is typically one of the required documents. State agencies use it to verify the purchase price (for calculating sales tax), confirm the date of sale (to determine if you registered within the deadline), and establish the chain of ownership.

Pair it with our boat registration documents checklist so the rest of the filing packet is complete before you visit the office.

For detailed steps on registering after a private purchase, see our private sale registration guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a bill of sale required when buying a boat?

Requirements vary by state. Many states require a bill of sale as part of the registration or title transfer process, especially for private sales. Even in states that do not legally require one, having a bill of sale is strongly recommended for your protection.

Does a boat bill of sale need to be notarized?

In most states, notarization is not required. However, some states do require notarization for boat bills of sale or title transfer documents. Check your state's specific requirements before completing the sale.

Can I write my own bill of sale?

Yes. A self-written bill of sale is legally valid in most states as long as it contains all the essential information: buyer and seller names and addresses, vessel description including HIN, purchase price, date of sale, and signatures of both parties.

What if the seller will not provide a bill of sale?

Pause the deal until ownership is clear. A seller who refuses to provide a basic written record may be unable or unwilling to prove the sale terms, lien status, or ownership chain.

Is a handwritten bill of sale valid?

Yes, handwritten bills of sale are generally valid as long as they contain all required information and are legible. However, a typed or printed document is preferred because it reduces the risk of misread information and looks more professional for registration purposes.

Should a bill of sale include the trailer?

If the boat trailer is included in the sale, it should be listed in the bill of sale with its own description (make, model, year, VIN). In many states, trailers require separate titles and registrations, so documenting the trailer sale separately may be convenient.

Are digital or electronic bills of sale valid?

Most states accept typed or printed bills of sale. However, for registration and title transfer purposes, wet (original) signatures are typically required. E-signatures may not be accepted by all state agencies. Check with your state before relying on a digital-only bill of sale.

Sources

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators — NASBLA (https://www.nasbla.org/)
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 2 — Sale of Goods
Florida DHSMV — Vessel Title Requirements (https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/vessels/)

This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and up-to-date, registration requirements, fees, and regulations may change without notice. Always contact your state's official registration agency for the most current and authoritative information before making any decisions.