Free New Brunswick Boat Bill of Sale
Boat sales in New Brunswick are governed federally through Transport Canada, not through Service NB. The HIN (Hull Identification Number) is the vessel's permanent identifier and must appear on every bill of sale. GST/HST does not generally apply to a private sale, and the buyer applies for a new Pleasure Craft Licence through Transport Canada using the bill of sale as the proof of purchase.
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New Brunswick Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Tax Details
GST/HST does not generally apply to a private boat sale between individuals. New Brunswick's 15% Provincial Vehicle Tax is collected by Service NB when a vehicle is registered; boats are licensed federally, so ask NB Finance (1-800-669-7070) whether any provincial tax is due.
Inspection Requirements
No mandatory inspection is required for private pleasure craft sales in New Brunswick. The buyer is responsible for ensuring the vessel carries all Transport Canada-required safety equipment.
New Brunswick Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Locate the Hull Identification Number (HIN) — stamped on the starboard side of the transom, typically near the waterline
- Prepare a bill of sale: buyer/seller names and addresses, HIN, vessel make/builder, year, length, hull material, engine make/HP/serial number, and sale price
- Seller provides or signs off on the existing Pleasure Craft Licence to facilitate the buyer's new application
- Buyer applies for a new Pleasure Craft Licence through Transport Canada online or by mail with the bill of sale
- Ask NB Finance (1-800-669-7070) whether any provincial tax is due — GST/HST does not generally apply to a private sale
- Confirm all required Transport Canada safety equipment is onboard: lifejackets, fire extinguisher, horn, flares, bailer, throw rope
- Both parties retain a signed copy of the bill of sale
Common Pitfalls
- Illegible or missing HIN — verify the HIN is readable and matches what is on the existing Pleasure Craft Licence before completing the sale.
- Assuming Service NB handles boat transfers — they do not. Transport Canada is the federal authority for all pleasure craft licensing in NB and across Canada.
- Selling a boat with missing or expired safety equipment — under Transport Canada regulations, the vessel owner (the buyer, after transfer) is responsible for required safety gear. Settle equipment responsibility before signing.
- Forgetting the engine serial number — for inboard or outboard motors, the engine serial number should appear on the bill of sale and may be separately important for insurance purposes.
Pro Tip
The Bay of Fundy, Saint John River system, and numerous inland lakes make New Brunswick a popular boating province. The Pleasure Craft Licence transfer can be completed online year-round. If you are buying a boat mid-season, apply for the PCL online immediately after purchase to avoid being on the water without proper licensing.