Used Boat Buyer's Paperwork Checklist

Print this and bring it to the boat. Everything to verify before you hand over money — red flags, documents to collect, and what happens next.

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Before You Go — Research First

Look up the boat's HIN (Hull Identification Number) in the USCG stolen vessel database at uscg.mil/boating — free, takes 2 minutes
Check the asking price against NADA Marine or boat-trader.com to confirm it's in a reasonable range (dramatically below market = red flag)
Search "[make] [model] [year] common problems" — know what to look for before you arrive
Confirm the seller's name matches the name on the title (ask them to send a photo of the title before driving out)

At the Boat — Title Inspection

Title is an original document — not a photocopy, not a screenshot
HIN on the title matches the HIN physically stamped on the transom (starboard side, above waterline)
Seller's name on the title matches their ID exactly (including middle name if listed)
No lien listed on the face of the title — OR, if a lien is listed, seller has a written lien release letter from the lender
Title is not marked "SALVAGE," "REBUILT," "FLOOD," or "BONDED" (unless you know this and the price reflects it)
No signs of alteration, correction fluid, or tampering on the title document
If the title shows a previous owner (not the seller), there is a proper chain of endorsements on the back

At the Boat — Physical Inspection

HIN plate is intact, not ground off, not re-attached, not showing signs of tampering
Hull integrity — check for stress cracks, delamination, osmotic blistering (fiberglass boats)
Engine starts cold without excessive cranking or smoke
No unusual noises at idle or under throttle
No water in the bilge beyond normal condensation
Bilge pump works (turn it on and confirm)
All navigation lights work
Registration numbers on hull match the registration certificate
Registration certificate is current (not expired more than 1 year)

At the Boat — Red Flags (Walk Away)

❌ Seller doesn't have the title and "can't find it right now"
❌ HIN appears to have been altered, re-stamped, or re-attached
❌ Title name doesn't match seller's ID
❌ Price is dramatically below market with no clear reason
❌ Seller wants to "sign the title in blank" for you to fill in later
❌ Seller wants to meet somewhere other than where the boat is stored
❌ Seller pressures you to complete the sale without time to inspect
❌ Lien on title with no release letter and seller says "the bank already got paid"

Documents to Collect at Time of Sale

Original title — signed by seller in the Assignment of Title section on the back
Written bill of sale including: date, purchase price, buyer and seller full names and addresses, HIN, year, make, model, length, engine type and HP or serial number, both signatures
Lien release letter (if applicable)
Any maintenance records, warranty documents, or service history
Existing registration certificate (helpful for verifying history)
Seller's name, address, phone number, and email in writing
Keys, registration decals, any equipment listed in the bill of sale

After the Sale — What Happens Next

Do NOT operate the boat on public waters until you have completed registration in your name (or have a valid temporary permit)
Go to your state agency within 30 days of purchase (most states; some allow 60–90 days)
Bring: original signed title, bill of sale, your ID, payment for title + registration + sales tax
Get a temporary operating permit if your state offers one (Florida: $1.50 at tax collector; Texas: free at county office; Ohio: included)
Once registration arrives: display registration number on hull (both sides, forward half, 3-inch block letters) and current decal within 6 inches

Disclaimer: This checklist is for informational purposes only. Requirements vary by state. Always verify with your state's marine agency before submitting any registration application. BoatRegHub.com