$BillOfSale.app

Free North Carolina Boat Bill of Sale

NC titles boats through the Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) — a completely separate agency from NC DMV. The 3% HUT tax still applies, but to NCWRC (not DMV). Boat titles do NOT require notarization, unlike NC car titles.

North Carolina Requirements: Notarization required. Transfer title within 28 days. 3% sales tax.

Seller Information

Buyer Information

Boat Details

Sale Information

Condition & Warranty

Free PDF includes a small watermark at the bottom. Remove it for €4.99. Already subscribed? Sign in.

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

North Carolina Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Boat Registration/Title Application
Agency
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Primary ID Field
HIN (Hull ID Number)
Sales Tax
3%
Title Required
Yes
NCWRC titles all motorized vessels and sailboats 14ft+. Non-powered vessels under 14ft exempt.
Inspection
Not required

Sales Tax Details

Boats pay 3% HUT on sale price, same rate as cars. Paid to NCWRC at title.

Inspection Requirements

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

North Carolina Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

  1. Verify HIN on transom.
  2. Complete bill of sale with HIN, length, year/make, motor serial, sale price.
  3. Trailer separate — trailer uses NC DMV + MVR-1 + notarization.
  4. Seller signs NCWRC title over (no notarization needed).
  5. Buyer completes NCWRC Boat Registration/Title Application.
  6. Buyer pays 3% HUT to NCWRC.
  7. USCG-documented vessels: federal title, NC tax still applies.

Common Pitfalls

  • Going to NC DMV — boats go through NCWRC.
  • Notarizing a boat title — unnecessary (only car titles need it in NC).
  • Missing separate trailer title through DMV.

Pro Tip

NC boats: NCWRC not DMV, no notarization, 3% HUT on sale price.

North Carolina Boat Bill of Sale — FAQs

Does NCWRC title all boats in NC?
NCWRC titles motorized vessels (any size) and sailboats 14ft or longer. Non-powered vessels under 14ft (kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats) are exempt from titling and registration for use on most NC waters.
Do NC boat titles need notarization?
No. Unlike NC car titles (which require notarization), NCWRC boat titles do NOT require notarization. Seller and buyer sign the title and mail to NCWRC.