Free Illinois Boat Bill of Sale
Illinois titles boats through the Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), NOT the Secretary of State. Boats also use ST-556 tax (6.25% of sale price) instead of the age-based RUT-50 used for cars — so boats may pay more tax than an equivalent-value car in Illinois.
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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 →
Illinois Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary ID Field
HIN (Hull ID Number)
Sales Tax
6.25%
Title Required
Yes
IDNR titles all motorized watercraft and sailboats 20ft+. Non-powered boats under 20ft may register without title.
Inspection
Not required
Sales Tax Details
Boats pay 6.25% state use tax (ST-556) — NOT the age-based RUT-50 like cars. Chicago/Cook County local tax adds up to 2.25%.
Inspection Requirements
No state safety or emissions inspection for watercraft. USCG federal safety equipment rules apply.
Illinois Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Verify HIN on transom matches title.
- Complete bill of sale with HIN, length, year/make, motor serial, sale price.
- Trailer? Trailer titles through Illinois SOS separately using VSD 190 + RUT-50.
- Seller signs IDNR title over to buyer.
- Buyer completes IDNR Watercraft Registration and Title Application at IDNR offices or online.
- Buyer pays 6.25% ST-556 state tax + Chicago/Cook local tax on sale price.
- Non-powered boats under 20ft can register without title.
- USCG-documented vessels: federal title, still subject to IL use tax if used in-state.
Common Pitfalls
- Going to the Secretary of State — boats go through IDNR, not SOS.
- Expecting RUT-50 tax — boats pay ST-556 (6.25% flat), which is often higher than RUT-50 for comparable-value used cars.
- Forgetting the trailer is separate — trailer goes through SOS with VSD 190.
- Assuming small sailboats are exempt — motorized vessels AND sailboats 20ft+ need title.
Pro Tip
IL boats: IDNR (not SOS), ST-556 (not RUT-50), HIN (not VIN). Trailers go separately through SOS — plan for two agencies if selling boat+trailer together.
Illinois Boat Bill of Sale — FAQs
Why does Illinois title boats through IDNR instead of the SOS?
Illinois IDNR manages waterways, boating safety, and licensing, so titling and registration were placed with the same agency. The Secretary of State handles cars, motorcycles, and trailers — but not boats. Two separate state agencies, two separate processes.
What tax do I pay on a boat in Illinois?
Illinois boat sales tax is ST-556: 6.25% of sale price, plus any local Chicago/Cook/RTA taxes. Unlike cars, there's no age-based RUT-50 schedule — boats pay a straight percentage regardless of age, so older boats pay proportionally more in IL than older cars do.
Do I need to title a kayak in Illinois?
Non-powered vessels under 20ft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, most rowboats) do not need a title in Illinois, but they must have a registration decal to use on IDNR-managed waterways. Larger non-powered vessels (sailboats 20ft+) and all motorized vessels require both title and registration.
Other Illinois 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