How to Notarize a Boat Bill of Sale
A boat bill of sale documents the transfer of a vessel. Learn when notarization is required and how to get it done online in 15 minutes.
Selling or buying a boat? Get your bill of sale notarized online — skip the DMV or Coast Guard office.
Get Notarized Online — 15 MinutesRemote Online Notarization. Video-based. Legally valid in all 50 states.
At a glance
- Notarization required: Yes
- Witnesses required: No (most states)
What is a Boat Bill of Sale?
A boat bill of sale is a legal document that records the transaction between a buyer and a seller for a watercraft. It acts as a receipt and proof of ownership transfer, which is essential for registering the boat and obtaining a title.
When Notarization is Required
Notarization requirements for boats are determined by state law. Some states, like Florida and Louisiana, have stricter notarization requirements for vessel transfers than others. Even when not strictly required, a notarized bill of sale is the best way to prevent future disputes over the condition or price of the vessel.
Key Information to Include
To be valid for registration, your boat bill of sale should include:
- Vessel Details: Make, model, year, and the 12-digit Hull Identification Number (HIN).
- Engine Details: If the boat has an outboard motor, include the serial number and horsepower.
- Sale Price: The total agreed-upon price, specifying if it includes the trailer.
- Buyer and Seller Info: Full legal names, addresses, and contact information.
- Signatures: Both parties should sign in the presence of a notary.
Remote Online Notarization for Boats
The process is fast and convenient. You upload your bill of sale, connect with a notary via video, and sign the document digitally. This is especially useful for private sales where the buyer and seller may not be in the same city.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do all boats need a notarized bill of sale?
- No. Requirements vary by state and vessel type. Some states require notarization only for vessels over a certain length (e.g., 16 feet) or for motorboats. Check your state's wildlife or DMV agency for specific requirements.
- Is notarization required for USCG documented vessels?
- The US Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) generally does not require a bill of sale to be notarized for federal documentation, but some states still require notarized documents for the state-level registration of documented vessels.
- What information must be on a boat bill of sale?
- A complete boat bill of sale includes: the Hull Identification Number (HIN), make, model, year, length, engine details (serial number, horsepower), sale price, date of sale, and the full names and addresses of the buyer and seller.
- Can I get a boat bill of sale notarized online?
- Yes. Remote Online Notarization is widely accepted by state agencies for boat title transfers and registrations. You will receive a digitally sealed PDF that can be submitted electronically or printed.
- What if the boat has a trailer?
- Often, the trailer requires its own separate bill of sale or a specific section on the boat bill of sale with the trailer's VIN and details. Some states require separate notarization for the trailer title transfer.
Ready to get your document notarized?
Start Your Notarization Session$15–$25 per session. No appointment needed.