Free Georgia Boat Bill of Sale

Since July 1, 2020, Georgia titles boats, and the Georgia DNR handles both the title and the registration. Unlike cars, boats don't fall under TAVT. A boat bought from a private person is a casual sale, which Georgia DOR says is not subject to sales tax; a dealer sale pays state and local sales tax.

Georgia Requirements: Register within 7 business days of purchase (O.C.G.A. 40-2-29) and bring the title application; title and TAVT late penalties start after 30 days. TAVT (Title Ad Valorem Tax) applies; it is not a flat percentage of the price.

Seller Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Buyer Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Boat Details

Year *

Make *

Model *

Hull ID Number (HIN) *

Length (ft) *

Engine Type *

Color

Trailer Included *

Trailer VIN (if included)

Sale Information

Sale Price ($) *

Payment Method *

Date of Sale *

County of Sale (if known)

Applicable Taxes Paid By

Condition & Warranty

Sold AS-IS (no warranty)

Warranty Details (if applicable)

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Boats are sold with undisclosed liens far more often than cars. Our guide covers running a title search, decoding the HIN, separating boat and trailer titles, and what a Coast Guard document means for the transfer process. Read: Boat Bill of Sale: Complete Guide →

Georgia Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form

DNR Form (Boat Registration/Title)

Georgia DNR Boat Registration Application

Agency

Georgia DNR

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Primary ID Field

HIN (Hull ID Number)

Sales Tax

See state rules

Title Required

Yes

Since July 1, 2020, Georgia titles boats. Every vessel that must be registered with the Georgia DNR must also be titled, and an outboard motor over 25 horsepower goes on the boat's title.

Inspection

Not required

Sales Tax Details

Boats are NOT part of TAVT. A boat bought from a private person is a casual sale, which Georgia DOR says is not subject to sales tax. A boat bought from a dealer pays 4% state sales tax plus local sales tax. Boats are NOT part of the TAVT system.

Inspection Requirements

No state safety or emissions inspection. USCG federal rules apply.

Georgia Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

Verify HIN on transom matches any prior registration documents.
Complete bill of sale with HIN, length, year/make, motor serial, sale price.
Trailer separate — boat trailers are not titled in Georgia and are exempt from TAVT; they are registered at the County Tag Office and pay annual ad valorem tax.
Seller provides prior registration, signs the bill of sale, signs over any paper title, and reports the sale to the Georgia DNR within 15 days.
Buyer applies to the Georgia DNR for a new registration and title in their own name before using the boat.
No sales tax on a casual sale from a private person; a dealer sale is taxed at 4% state plus local sales tax.
Buyer files the registration and title application with the DNR.
USCG-documented vessels are exempt from Georgia numbering and titling; ask the Georgia DOR whether any tax applies.

Common Pitfalls

Skipping the title — since July 1, 2020, Georgia titles boats, so make sure the seller's title is transferred to you.
Expecting TAVT on boats — boats are outside TAVT; a dealer sale pays regular sales tax, but a private casual sale does not.
Forgetting the trailer is a separate item — it is registered on its own at the County Tag Office (boat trailers are not titled and are exempt from TAVT).
Mixing up the tax rules — a dealer sale pays state and local sales tax, but a private casual sale does not.

Pro Tip

GA boats run through the DNR, not the county tag office: the buyer registers and titles there, and boats are outside TAVT. A detailed bill of sale is still the best record of the deal.

Georgia Boat Bill of Sale — FAQs

Does Georgia title boats?

Yes, since July 1, 2020. Under the Georgia Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act, every boat that must be registered with the Georgia DNR must also be titled. When buying a Georgia boat, get the title and a detailed bill of sale.

Do boats pay TAVT in Georgia?

No — boats are outside the TAVT system. A boat bought from a private person is a casual sale, which Georgia DOR says is not subject to sales tax. A boat bought from a dealer pays 4% state sales tax plus local sales tax.

How do I prove ownership of a Georgia boat without a title?

Boats titled since July 1, 2020 transfer on the title. For an older boat with no title yet, a detailed bill of sale and the current registration certificate are the key ownership documents. The bill of sale should include HIN, length, year/make, motor serial, sale price, and signatures. Without a title, these documents are all the next buyer has — so completeness matters more in Georgia than in title states.

Other Georgia Templates

Vehicle Bill of Sale Car Bill of Sale Used Car Bill of Sale Motorcycle Bill of Sale Trailer Bill of Sale Horse Bill of Sale ATV Bill of Sale Gun / Firearm Bill of Sale RV Bill of Sale General Bill of Sale Free Printable Bill of Sale Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale As-Is Bill of Sale Gift Bill of Sale

Boat in Other States

Texas Florida Missouri Utah Oregon Alabama Colorado Connecticut Arkansas New York

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Step-by-step guide for Georgia

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