Free Western Australia Boat Bill of Sale
Private boat sales in Western Australia require a vessel licence transfer through DoT WA Marine Safety. All motorised vessels operating on WA waters, and any vessel 6 metres or longer regardless of propulsion, must hold a current WA vessel licence. The seller must lodge a change of ownership notification, and the buyer must transfer the vessel licence — both within 5 business days — with stamp duty paid on the hull value at transfer.
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Western Australia Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Stamp Duty / Tax Details
Stamp duty applies to private boat sales at the same $2.75 per $100 rate as motor vehicles on values up to $25,000. Higher graduated rates apply above $25,000. Duty is assessed on the market value if the stated price appears undervalued.
Inspection / Roadworthy Requirements
No pre-sale marine inspection is required for private boat sales in WA. The buyer may engage a marine surveyor at their own cost before purchase.
Western Australia Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Record the vessel's HIN (Hull Identification Number), make, model, year, length, engine type, and agreed sale price on the bill of sale.
- Seller completes a change of ownership notification with DoT WA Marine Safety within 5 business days.
- Buyer completes Transfer of Vessel Licence at a DoT WA licensing centre and pays stamp duty at $2.75 per $100.
- Buyer provides proof of WA recreational skippers ticket (RST) if operating a vessel under 35 metres, or equivalent commercial licence.
- If the vessel has a trailer, complete a separate Transfer of Vehicle Licence for the trailer — trailers are registered separately.
- Check the PPSR for outstanding finance on the hull and any marine equipment before settlement.
- Both parties retain signed copies of the bill of sale for at least 5 years.
Common Pitfalls
- Forgetting that the trailer needs its own transfer: many buyers complete the boat licence transfer but overlook the registered trailer, leaving the seller as the recorded trailer owner.
- Not verifying the HIN against the hull: the HIN is physically stamped on the transom — check it matches the vessel licence documentation before settlement.
- Buying a vessel with outstanding finance: marine finance is registered on the PPSR — always search before purchase.
- Assuming interstate vessels are automatically valid in WA: a vessel licensed in another state must be relicensed with DoT WA within 3 months of the owner becoming a WA resident.
Pro Tip
Complete both the vessel licence transfer and the trailer licence transfer at the same DoT WA visit to avoid two separate trips and two separate sets of deadline obligations.