$BillOfSale.app

Free Boat Bill of Sale Template & Generator

Marine vessel bill of sale with Hull ID Number, engine type, and optional trailer info.

Seller Information

Buyer Information

Boat Details

Sale Information

Condition & Warranty

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State rules change. We check these requirements against official state sources, but details can go out of date. Confirm with your state's motor vehicle agency before you rely on them. If you notice anything wrong or outdated, email support@billofsale.app.

Watch: how to fill it out (33 seconds)

The full flow — every field, the signatures, and the download — in one short take.

About the Boat Bill of Sale

A boat bill of sale captures the Hull Identification Number (HIN) — the marine equivalent of an automotive VIN — along with the vessel's length, hull material, engine type and horsepower, and whether the boat has a trailer. If the boat is Coast Guard documented rather than state-registered, the documentation number is included instead. Our template handles both titled and documented vessels.

When to Use This Form

Use the boat bill of sale for all private watercraft sales: motorboats, sailboats, personal watercraft (jet skis), pontoons, fishing boats, and any other vessel. If selling with a trailer, list both the boat HIN and the trailer VIN, and note whether the price is combined or separate.

Legal Tip

Run a title search through your state boating authority and check the USCG documentation database before buying any boat. Undisclosed liens on boats are common — the lender can repossess the vessel even after a private sale.

Fields Included in This Form

  • Year (required)
  • Make (required)
  • Model (required)
  • Hull ID Number (HIN) (required)
  • Length (ft) (required)
  • Engine Type (required)
  • Color (optional)
  • Trailer Included (required)
  • Trailer VIN (if included) (optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Hull Identification Number (HIN)?
A HIN is the boat's unique identifier, assigned by the manufacturer. It is a 12-character alphanumeric code required on all boats manufactured after November 1972. The HIN is stamped on the starboard (right) side of the transom. Always verify the HIN on the physical transom matches the HIN on the title before completing the sale.
Do I need a bill of sale to register a boat?
Most states require a bill of sale to register a newly purchased boat in the new owner's name. The bill of sale proves the sale occurred, documents the purchase price for sales tax purposes, and provides the HIN the state needs. Even where technically optional, a signed bill of sale protects both parties from post-sale disputes.
Do I need to transfer boat registration after buying a used boat?
Yes. Most states require the new owner to register the boat within 30–90 days of purchase. You'll need the bill of sale, the previous owner's registration, and the title (if your state titles boats) to register. Operating a boat on the previous owner's registration after the sale is generally not permitted.
What is the difference between a state-registered boat and a Coast Guard documented vessel?
State registration uses a state-issued registration number on the hull. Coast Guard documentation is a federal system for vessels 5+ net tons — documented vessels use a USCG Certificate of Documentation instead of a state title. For a private sale of a documented vessel, you transfer the documentation, not a state title.
Do I need a bill of sale if the boat has a trailer included?
Yes — document both on the same bill of sale or use two separate ones with separate prices. The boat and trailer usually have separate titles (the boat uses a HIN; the trailer uses a VIN). The DMV will need a bill of sale showing the trailer's separate purchase price to assess sales tax on the trailer.
What sales tax do I pay when buying a boat privately?
Sales tax on private boat purchases varies by state and is typically paid at registration transfer, not at the point of sale. Most states use the actual sale price documented in the bill of sale. Some states like Florida cap boat sales tax at a maximum dollar amount — check your state's department of revenue for current boat-specific tax rules before completing the transaction.
What should I check before buying a used boat?
Before signing: verify the HIN on the transom matches the title; run a lien search to check for outstanding loans; inspect the hull for osmotic blistering, impact damage, and delamination; check trailer lights and wheel bearings; and test all electrical systems. A pre-purchase survey by a certified marine surveyor is recommended for any vessel over $10,000.

Boat Bill of Sale by State

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