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Boat, RV & Powersports Bill of Sale Guide

A proper bill of sale is the foundation of any private-party boat, RV, or powersports transaction. It documents the sale price, transfers liability, and serves as proof of ownership during the title transfer process. Here's exactly what to include for every vehicle type.

Why a Bill of Sale Matters

Proof of Sale Price

Your state DMV or DNR uses the stated sale price to calculate sales or use tax. An accurate bill of sale prevents disputes with the tax authority.

Liability Transfer

A signed, dated bill of sale documents the exact moment ownership transferred. If the vessel is involved in an incident after the sale, this protects the seller.

Title Transfer Requirement

Most states require a bill of sale to process a title transfer. Without one, the DMV or DNR may reject your application.

Lender & Insurance Documentation

Marine lenders and insurance companies commonly require a bill of sale to finalize boat financing or issue a new policy.

Boats & Personal Watercraft (PWC) — Bill of Sale Checklist

Hull Identification Number (HIN)

12-character; found on the upper starboard transom

Make, model, and year

Engine make, model, horsepower, and serial number

If included in sale

Trailer VIN, make, and year

Separate bill of sale recommended

Seller full legal name and address

Buyer full legal name and address

Sale price (in numerals and words)

Date of sale

Triggers your state's title transfer deadline

As-is statement

Unless a warranty is offered

Signatures of both parties

Notarization

Required in some states — check your state guide

RVs & Motorhomes — Bill of Sale Checklist

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

On the dashboard placard and door jamb sticker

Make, model, year, and floorplan

Odometer reading at time of sale

Federally required for motorhomes under 16,000 lbs and under 10 years old

Seller full legal name and address

Buyer full legal name and address

Sale price

Date of sale

List of included equipment and condition notes

Optional but recommended

As-is statement

Odometer disclosure statement

Required federally for qualifying motorhomes

Signatures of both parties

ATVs, Side-by-Sides & Snowmobiles — Bill of Sale Checklist

VIN or serial number

Found on the frame — verify it matches the title

Make, model, and year

Engine displacement (cc)

Color

Seller full legal name and address

Buyer full legal name and address

Sale price

Date of sale

As-is statement

Signatures of both parties

How to Complete a Bill of Sale

  1. 1

    Identify the vessel or vehicle

    Record the HIN (for boats and PWC) or VIN (for RVs, ATVs, snowmobiles). Verify it physically matches the unit and the title.

  2. 2

    Identify buyer and seller

    Use full legal names and current mailing addresses. These must match the names on the title and any new title application.

  3. 3

    State the sale price and date

    Write the agreed price in both numerals and words (e.g., "$12,500 — Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Dollars"). The sale date triggers your state's title transfer deadline.

  4. 4

    Include an as-is statement

    Unless you're offering a warranty, explicitly state: "This vehicle is sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS, with no warranty expressed or implied."

  5. 5

    Sign and notarize if required

    Both parties sign the bill of sale. Notarization is required in some states (e.g., Louisiana requires notarized vehicle sales). When in doubt, notarize.

  6. 6

    Make copies

    Print at least two originals — one for the buyer and one for the seller. The buyer will need the bill of sale at the DMV or DNR to complete title transfer.

Trailer Sales: Separate Bill of Sale Required

If a trailer is included in the sale of a boat or PWC, you must create a separate bill of sale for the trailer listing its VIN, make, and year. Trailers are titled separately from watercraft in all 50 states. Using one combined bill of sale for both the boat and trailer can cause delays at the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a bill of sale required to sell a boat?▾
In most states, yes — especially if a title is required. Even in states where it's technically optional, a bill of sale is strongly recommended to document the sale price, date, and as-is condition.
What is a Hull Identification Number (HIN)?▾
The HIN is a 12-character serial number assigned to every boat manufactured or imported after November 1, 1972. It's located on the upper starboard side of the transom. Always include the full HIN in a boat or PWC bill of sale.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?▾
Notarization requirements vary by state. Louisiana requires notarized boat sales; some other states recommend it for vehicles. Check your state's guide. When in doubt, have it notarized — it's inexpensive and adds legal protection.
Do I need a separate bill of sale for the trailer?▾
Yes. Trailers are titled separately from watercraft. If a trailer is included in the deal, write a separate bill of sale with the trailer's VIN, make, and year.
Can I write a bill of sale by hand?▾
Yes, a handwritten bill of sale is legally valid in all states as long as it contains the required information and signatures. However, a typed or printed document is easier to read and harder to dispute.

Bill of sale requirements vary by state.

Find your state's specific requirements — including whether notarization is required and which forms to submit with your title application.

Browse All 50 State Guides

Helpful Resources

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. Disclosure

Escrow.com

Hold funds in escrow until the title and bill of sale are delivered

Set Up Escrow ↗

NADA Guides

Know the fair market value before you agree on a sale price

Check Value ↗

BoatUS Insurance

New owner? Get insured before you put it on the water

Get a Quote ↗