The Bill of Sale for Watercraft or Boat is a legal document that serves as proof of the sale of a watercraft, such as a boat. This form details the transaction between the seller and buyer, outlining the purchase price and a description of the vehicle. It is essential for establishing ownership and can protect both parties by ensuring clear terms of sale.
This form should be used when an individual or business sells or purchases a watercraft, ensuring both parties have a record of the transaction. It is particularly useful in private sales, where no dealership is involved, and provides a legal foundation for ownership transfer.
This form is intended for:
Follow these steps to complete the Bill of Sale for Watercraft:
To make this form legally binding, it must be notarized. Our online notarization service, powered by Notarize, lets you verify and sign documents remotely through an encrypted video session.
Write a bill of sale. This document must include a vessel description, Hull number, purchase date, price, the names and addresses (including city state zip) of the parties, and the signatures of both the buyer and seller. If the boat is used, you'll likely need the boat's previous registration number. Boat title.
A bill of sale does not serve as proof of ownership. Only a title has that legal authority. Bills of sale serve as proof of title transfer, which buyers and sellers need for personal financial and tax records.
A title is available to any North Carolina vessel owner, provided that the vessel is registered in North Carolina; is not simultaneously titled in any other state; and is not Documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Once the sale is complete, the buyer must apply for legal title with the state agency that handles boat registration.Each state will have its own requirements about forms and fees, but, in general, you will be able to use your bill of sale as proof of purchase to obtain the title from the state.
DO NOT purchase a used vessel/boat or outboard motor without receiving an original title (signed on the front and back) along with a signed bill of sale from the person(s) listed on the title or from their legally documented representative.
Louisiana. Maryland. Nebraska. New Hampshire. West Virginia. Montana.
Alabama. Arkansas. Colorado. Connecticut. Hawaii. Idaho. Maine. Nebraska.
A bill of sale is only legally required in North Carolina when you purchase your vehicle from a car dealership.Your bill of sale will also be needed when you go to title your vehicle, or if the vehicle's ownership becomes part of a trust.
So back to the original question, how to register boat without title? Check with your state's boating website to learn the exact paperwork to register a boat without a title. There are will be replacement title forms to fill out and submit along with some form of proof of ownership.