Free Minnesota Boat Bill of Sale
Minnesota's boat-title test has two triggers — LENGTH over 16 feet OR a motor over 25 HP — and meeting either one puts the watercraft into the DNR's title system; smaller, lighter craft transfer on registration and bill of sale alone. The clock is short by boat standards: 15 days to file at the DNR, with the 6.5% sales tax due at registration. Note the agency split that trips car owners: the deputy registrar who handled your truck doesn't touch the boat (that's the DNR), but DOES take the boat's trailer under Minnesota's trailer rules. As always where titles are conditional, the bill of sale carries the ownership weight on the smaller craft.
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Minnesota Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
6.5% sales tax applies to watercraft sales. Paid to MN DNR or DVS at registration.
Minnesota Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Record HIN, make, model, year, length, engine HP, sale price on bill of sale.
- Seller signs title (for titled watercraft) or registration card.
- Buyer applies for new registration/title at MN DNR within 15 days.
- Buyer pays 6.5% sales tax + title and registration fees.
Common Pitfalls
- Not checking if the boat meets the 16-ft / 25-HP title threshold.
- Missing the 15-day registration transfer deadline.
- Not recording the HIN — required on all watercraft documentation.
Pro Tip
Minnesota boats: over 16 feet or 25 horsepower means a DNR title changes hands — either way it's 15 days, 6.5%, and a bill of sale written carefully enough to anchor ownership on the craft that never gets one.