Pennsylvania Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

Private-party title transfer, registration, lien search, sales tax, and USCG documentation rules for Pennsylvania.

Title Required

❌ No

Registration only

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

6.00%

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not issue titles for recreational boats. Instead, vessels are registered with the state. The registration certificate and bill of sale serve as proof of ownership.

Pennsylvania does not title boats. Register with PA Fish & Boat Commission within 20 days and pay 6% use tax to PA DOR.

Lien Search in Pennsylvania

Before completing any private-party purchase, run a lien search to confirm the vessel has no outstanding loans or encumbrances.

Pennsylvania Official Lien Search ↗

For USCG-documented vessels, also search the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

Bill of Sale Requirements

Pennsylvania requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Your bill of sale should include:

Hull Identification Number (HIN) or VIN
Make, model, and year of the vessel
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Purchase price and date of sale
Odometer reading (motorhomes/RVs)
Signatures of both parties
Notarization if required by Pennsylvania

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania charges 6.00% sales tax on boat and powersports purchases. Sales tax is typically collected when you register the vessel with the state. Some counties add additional local taxes. Check with your local Pennsylvania agency for the full rate.

USCG Documentation in Pennsylvania

Delaware River and Chesapeake Bay access means some PA vessels are USCG documented. The state does not title boats.

USCG-documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation (COD) issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center. This is recognized internationally and is preferred by lenders for boats over 26 ft. Even with USCG documentation, Pennsylvania may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →