Boat bill of sale
For private sales of boats, often sold with an outboard engine and a trailer that are registered or taxed separately. It records the hull identification number, state registration or Coast Guard documentation number, each engine's serial number, the trailer's VIN, and how the price is split across them.
- Fields
- 52
- Pages
- 2
- Paper
- Letter
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Reviewed
Before you start
What you need to fill it in
- The hull identification number (HIN), usually on the transom
- State registration number or U.S. Coast Guard documentation number
- Title, if your state titles boats
- Engine make, horsepower and serial numbers
- Trailer make, VIN and plate, if included
- The list of gear included: electronics, covers, safety equipment
What's inside
52 fields, ready to fill
- 42Typed answersnames, addresses, descriptions
- 3Dateschecked as real dates
- 1Calculatedfill themselves from other fields
- 4Choicescheckboxes, options, dropdowns
- 2Signaturessignature and initials
8 required — the editor counts down how many are left while you fill.
Instructions
How to fill out the Boat bill of sale
- 1
Identify the vessel
Enter the HIN, manufacturer, model, year, length and hull material, plus the registration or documentation number.
- 2
List engines
One line per engine with make, horsepower, year and serial number.
- 3
Add the trailer
If a trailer is included, enter its make, year, VIN and plate.
- 4
List included gear
Write down electronics and equipment included in the sale, so there is no argument at handover.
- 5
Split the price
Enter the price for the boat, engines and trailer. Several states tax or register them separately.
- 6
Sign
Both parties sign. Take the bill of sale and title or registration to your state's boating agency.
Fill it online
What filling it looks like
- Edit & fill, Invite to sign and Create form are three modes of the same editor
- Amounts are formula fields: they calculate as you type
- The field navigator counts what's left and jumps to the next field
Shown with our invoice template. Sample content; names are fictional.
Written for: General (US)
Requirements for transferring ownership differ by state and by type of property. Some states require their own official form, a title transfer, odometer disclosure or notarization. This template is a general format, not legal advice; check with your state agency or a lawyer.
Written by PDFBetter and last reviewed October 15, 2026. Spotted a problem? Tell us.
Boat bill of sale: questions people ask
What is a HIN?
The 12-character hull identification number required on most boats built since 1972. It is usually on the upper starboard side of the transom.
Why split the price between boat, engine and trailer?
Some states title or tax trailers through the motor vehicle agency and boats through a boating agency, and some tax them at different rates.
What about documented vessels?
Coast Guard documented vessels transfer through the National Vessel Documentation Center, which has its own bill of sale form. Use that form for documented vessels.
Does the sale need to be notarized?
Some states require notarization for boat transfers. Check with your state boating or wildlife agency. This is not legal advice.
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