Free New York Boat Bill of Sale
New York titles boats through the same DMV that handles cars, using MV-82B (the boat-specific version of MV-82). Unlike Texas or Illinois, there's no separate marine agency. HIN replaces VIN, and the same 4%+local tax structure applies.
Free PDF includes a small watermark at the bottom. Remove it for €4.99. Already subscribed? Sign in.
New York Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Same 4% + local tax as cars. NY also imposes a 1-year minimum use tax cap on boats first purchased out-of-state.
Exemption: Boats used 6+ months outside NY before being brought in may qualify for reduced or exempt use tax. Immediate-family transfers are exempt.
Inspection Requirements
No state safety inspection for recreational vessels. USCG federal safety equipment rules apply.
New York Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Verify HIN on transom (post-1972 vessels have 12-character HINs).
- Complete bill of sale with HIN, length, year/make, motor serial, and sale price.
- If boat has a trailer: trailer uses separate MV-82 and its own title transfer.
- Seller files MV-912 (bill of sale) and signs NY boat title over to buyer.
- Buyer completes MV-82B at county DMV.
- Buyer pays 4% state tax + local county tax on sale price.
- USCG-documented vessels: federal titling through USCG National Vessel Documentation Center, still subject to NY use tax if operated in-state.
- Non-motorized boats under 14ft: exempt from titling; can be sold with just a bill of sale.
Common Pitfalls
- Using a marine agency — there isn't one in NY. Boats go through the county DMV.
- Forgetting separate trailer title — NY boat trailers need their own MV-82.
- Assuming small sailboats are exempt — any motorized vessel needs title regardless of length, and sailboats 14ft+ need title.
- Underreporting out-of-state boat value: NY DMV cross-references NADA values for use tax.
Pro Tip
NY boats register like cars through the county DMV — MV-82B + bill of sale + HIN. Remember the separate trailer title and the exemption for small non-motorized vessels.