Close the Deal: Boat Registrations, Titles, and More

Whether you’re selling your family canoe, a large poweryacht, or something in between, finalizing the transfer of ownership will require some paperwork. Make sure you find out exactly what you will need ahead of time so you don’t hold up the final sale. Notarizing all paperwork (to validate your signature) is not always required, but it’s always a good idea.

State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

First of all, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles (or whatever agency controls boat sales) to find out what documentation you need to give the buyer. Most agencies have a checklist on their website.

Bill Of Sale

The bill of sale must include a description and hull number, purchase date, price, and the signature of both buyer and seller. Usually, the seller creates this as a simple document, but there are several automobile templates available online that can be easily adapted for boats.

Boat Titles

Titles are issued by state, and a new one is created every time a boat changes hands. If you have an outstanding loan on your boat, the title will include that information and the buyer won’t be able to register the boat until the loan is cleared. Check with your lienholder to see what sort of paperwork will be provided and how much lead time is needed; you may have to pay off the loan first.

Other Paperwork

Warranty cards, maintenance records, and any other paperwork should also be handed over at the final sale. And once the deal is final, make sure you cancel your insurance. Some companies will let you date the cancellation back to the actual day of sale, even if you call a few days later.

Got A Boat Trailer?

If your boat is on a trailer, your state may require separate paperwork. You may also have to handle the registration separately. Again, the state agency that handles boat sales should have a checklist with this information. With a bit of planning and organization, passing papers to complete a boat sale is only slightly more than a formality. Best of all, it is the last step before your final handshake.

Document Checklist

Boat Sales Documents Required To Complete The Boat Sale.

Bill of Sale

Title

Proof of loan payoff

Trailer registration

Trailer title

Courtesy documents:

Warranty cards

Maintenance records

After The Sale:

Cancel insurance

Remove all ads

NOTE: The above list is intended as a general guide and may not include every document for your specific situation. For a complete list of requirements, check with the state agency that controls boat sales in your area. This article was originally published in 2015 and last updated in June 2021.

Written by: Carol Cronin

Carol Cronin has published several novels about the Olympics, sailing, hurricanes, time travel, and old schooners. She spends as much time on the water as possible, in a variety of boats, though most have sails.