Free Utah Boat Bill of Sale
Two Utah boat rules catch buyers off guard. First, Utah titles boats through the DMV — every vessel manufactured in 1985 or later needs a title except canoes and inflatables pushed by 25 HP or less, and a boat being titled in Utah for the first time needs a Certificate of Inspection (Form TC-661) before the DMV will issue it. Second, and almost unique nationally: Utah requires liability insurance on all motorboats and personal watercraft, so the buyer needs a marine policy lined up, not just the paperwork. Utah sets no fixed day count for the transfer, the title fee is $6, the tax is the 4.85% state rate plus local add-ons, and every owner on the application must show government-issued ID.
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Utah Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
4.85% state sales tax plus local rates depending on the buyer's location, documented with a tax certificate at registration. Expect a title fee plus a registration fee that depends on vessel length and type.
Inspection Requirements
A Certificate of Inspection (Form TC-661) is required when a vessel is titled in Utah for the first time — typically boats arriving from out of state. Separately, Utah is unusual in requiring ALL motorboats and personal watercraft to carry liability insurance.
Utah Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Verify the HIN on the hull matches the title exactly — and note the motor details on the bill of sale.
- Write the bill of sale with HIN, make, model, year, length, engine HP, sale price, date, and both signatures (Utah's TC-843 form covers boats as well as vehicles).
- Seller signs the Utah title over; every owner listed must be accounted for.
- Boat coming from out of state or titled in Utah for the first time? Schedule the Certificate of Inspection (Form TC-661) before the DMV visit.
- Buyer lines up motorboat liability insurance — mandatory in Utah for all motorboats and PWCs, unlike most states.
- Buyer transfers title and registers at the DMV promptly: $6 title fee, registration ~$45.50–$65.50 by length, and 4.85% state sales tax plus local rates.
- All owners going on the new title must provide government-issued identification with the application.
Common Pitfalls
- Looking for a no-title shortcut — Utah titles 1985-and-newer vessels through the DMV; only canoes and ≤25 HP inflatables escape.
- Showing up to register without insurance — Utah requires liability coverage on every motorboat and PWC, and it's the step out-of-state buyers most often miss.
- Skipping the TC-661 inspection on a first-time Utah title — the DMV will not issue the title without it.
- Assuming the 4.85% state rate is the whole tax — local rates stack on top depending on where the buyer lives, so the effective rate varies across the state.
Pro Tip
Utah boats: DMV title (1985+), TC-661 inspection on first-time titles, mandatory motorboat insurance, no fixed transfer day count, $6 title fee, 4.85% state tax plus local rates — the insurance mandate is the step nobody expects.