Free Australian Capital Territory Boat Bill of Sale
Boat sales in the ACT are processed through Access Canberra's maritime section, covering vessels operated on ACT waterways including Lake Burley Griffin and the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee rivers. All motorised vessels must be registered in the ACT. The transfer process mirrors the vehicle transfer procedure, with the seller providing same-day notification and the buyer completing the registration transfer within 5 business days.
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Australian Capital Territory Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Stamp Duty / Tax Details
Stamp duty on private vessel sales in the ACT is $3 per $100 of market value, administered by the ACT Revenue Office.
Inspection / Roadworthy Requirements
No pre-sale marine inspection is required for private boat sales in the ACT. Buyers may arrange a marine survey at their own cost.
Australian Capital Territory Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Record the vessel's HIN, make, model, year, length, engine type and horsepower, and agreed sale price on the bill of sale.
- Seller completes the Change of Registration notification with Access Canberra on the same day as the sale.
- Buyer completes the vessel registration transfer at Access Canberra within 5 business days and pays stamp duty at $3 per $100.
- If the boat trailer is included, complete a separate vehicle registration transfer for the trailer.
- Run a PPSR check to confirm no outstanding marine finance on the hull or engine.
- Confirm the buyer holds a current ACT recreational boating licence for the vessel type.
- Both parties retain signed copies of the bill of sale.
Common Pitfalls
- Missing the same-day seller notification for a vessel: the ACT's same-day notification rule applies to boats as well as vehicles — notify Access Canberra on the day of the sale.
- Forgetting the trailer registration transfer: trailers are registered separately and must be transferred independently at Access Canberra.
- Not checking PPSR for outboard engine finance: outboard motors are frequently financed separately from the hull and appear as separate PPSR entries.
- Assuming ACT registration covers Lake Burley Griffin and other waterways automatically: confirm with ACT Maritime that the vessel's registration class covers the intended waterways.
Pro Tip
ACT vessel transfers are handled at the same Access Canberra service centre as vehicle transfers. Where possible, complete both the vessel and trailer transfers in a single visit to avoid multiple trips during the 5-business-day window.