Boat Bill of Sale Template
A boat bill of sale is a record of a private sale between an owner and a buyer, naming the boat, the price, and the terms both sides agreed to.
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How to write a bill of sale
Three short steps take you to a signed record
Open the template
Open our boat bill of sale template and see every field laid out and ready to complete.
Fill in the template
Enter the boat's details, the sale price, and both parties' names directly in the fields.
Download the template
Download the completed bill of sale as a PDF, ready to print or send for signatures.
What is a bill of sale?
A bill of sale for boat and trailer is a private record of a transaction between a seller and a buyer, made without any government office involved. It notes what changed hands, for how much, and when. For a boat, it usually covers the vessel, any trailer or motor sold with it, and a statement of condition. It gives both sides a paper trail if a question about the sale ever comes up later.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale records the sale
- Names the seller and the buyer
- Notes the price and the date
What does a bill of sale look like?
The document opens with the seller's and buyer's names and addresses, followed by a description of the boat: make, model, length, hull identification number, and registration number. Next comes the sale price, the date, and any trailer or equipment included. A statement of condition sits near the bottom, and signature lines for both parties close out the page.
When do you need a bill of sale?
You need a bill of sale whenever a boat changes owners outside a dealership, whether it's sold privately, given as a gift, or traded. Selling a boat bill of sale proves the sale happened, at what price, and on what date. Many states also ask for one when a new owner registers the boat, so it's worth completing at the point of sale rather than afterward.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
Notarization requirements vary by state, and some states ask for a notarized bill of sale before a boat can be registered under a new owner. Others accept a signed document without one. Check your state's registration rules before the sale closes, since a notary requirement usually means both parties need to sign in person in front of one.
How to register a boat with a bill of sale
Most state agencies ask for the bill of sale alongside the boat's title, if one exists, and a completed registration form. The bill of sale serves as proof of the transaction and the sale price, which some states use to calculate registration fees or sales tax. Bring the signed original, since some offices won't accept a copy.
Frequently asked questions
