Why You Need a Bill of Sale — Even if Your State Doesn't Require One
A bill of sale is your paper trail. Even in states where it's not technically required to transfer a title, it protects you in these scenarios:
- The seller claims they didn't receive payment or the price was different
- The boat is found to have been involved in an incident that occurred before your purchase
- The title is lost after the sale and you need to prove you own the boat
- You need to register the boat in a different state later, and that state asks for proof of purchase
- The IRS or state tax authority questions the reported sale price
Always get a bill of sale. Always keep a copy. Never let the seller keep the only copy.
What a Boat Bill of Sale Must Include
- Date of sale — The exact date ownership transferred
- Seller's full legal name and address — Must match the name on the title exactly
- Buyer's full legal name and address — Your legal name as it will appear on the new title
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) — 12-character code on the transom
- Vessel year — Model year
- Vessel make/manufacturer — e.g., Tracker, Alumacraft, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler
- Vessel model — e.g., Bass Tracker Pro 175, Sundancer 320
- Overall length — in feet and inches
- Engine make, model, and serial number — Outboard or I/O; if inboard, include engine serial
- Engine horsepower
- Purchase price — Exact dollar amount (states use this for sales tax calculation)
- Statement that seller warrants clear title — "Seller represents that the vessel is free and clear of all liens and encumbrances"
- Both parties' signatures — Seller and buyer sign; witness signatures where required
- Notarization — Required in some states (see below)
Which States Require a Notarized Bill of Sale?
| State | Notarization Required? | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | No | Not required for standard transfers |
| Texas | No | Not required |
| Michigan | Sometimes | Required for vessels over $5,000 or 20+ feet |
| Ohio | No | Not required |
| Georgia | No | Not required (strongly recommended) |
| Tennessee | Recommended | Required for no-title (pre-1973) registration |
| Indiana | Yes | Required for all vessel transfers |
| Alabama | Recommended | Required for pre-1973 no-title registration |
| North Carolina | No | Not required |
| California | No | Not required |
Even when not required, notarization costs $5–$15 at any UPS Store, bank, or shipping center. It makes your bill of sale legally stronger and eliminates the most common reason for application rejections. If you're buying a valuable boat, it's cheap insurance.
Printable Bill of Sale Template
BILL OF SALE — VESSEL
This Bill of Sale is made on between:
SELLER:
Seller Address:
BUYER:
Buyer Address:
VESSEL DESCRIPTION
Year: Make: Model:
Length: ft Hull Identification Number (HIN):
Engine Make/Model: Engine Serial #: HP:
Trailer (if included): Trailer VIN:
SALE TERMS
Purchase Price: $
The Seller hereby warrants that: (1) the Seller is the legal owner of the above-described vessel; (2) the vessel is free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, and claims of third parties; (3) the Seller has the legal right to sell this vessel.
The vessel is sold "AS IS" with no warranties expressed or implied unless separately noted in writing.
Seller Signature / Date
Seller Printed Name
Buyer Signature / Date
Buyer Printed Name
NOTARIZATION (if required or desired)
State of _______________ , County of _______________
Subscribed and sworn before me this _____ day of _____________, 20____
Notary Public Signature / Commission Expiration
Print two copies — one for buyer, one for seller. Both parties should keep a copy.