How to Handle Paperwork When Selling Your Boat Privately

August 7, 2025 |

Have a boat you want to sell on your own, but not sure where to start? The process of selling your boat on your own might seem a bit overwhelming, but with some insight, organization, and a few deep breaths, you can look ahead to the experience with confidence and calmness.

Making a to-do list for any project’s undertaking is the best starting point. We’ve put together a brief, yet comprehensive list of steps to take to sell a boat. This to-do list will show you step-by-step what to do to close the deal.

Before the Sale

Preparing for a boat sale can actually start the moment of purchase. Start a folder in the home office just for the boat, with the first added document being your purchase receipt and title. With each maintenance appointment, add the detailed receipt to this folder. Showing a potential buyer the complete history of the boat is a great way to build trust. They can see the amount of total engine hours you’ve placed on the boat, any major repairs, and on-time regular maintenance appointments you’ve had.

Another sales-worthy document that will increase your trustability is by having a written report from a professional boat surveyor. After the inspection of the boat, a surveyor’s report should list an overall summary of the boat’s condition, the average fair market value, along with replacement values. Additionally, it will contain any issues regarding compliance with Coast Guard Regulations or with the National Marine Manufacturers Association requirements.

The most important document pertaining to the boat is the boat title. While not all states require a title, it’s a good idea to title the boat to ensure proof of ownership.

1 1 — *Having your title available is critical.*

Before listing your boat for sale, it is wise to get the boat’s value from a trusted name. For a free valuation of your boat, visit us here.

During the Sale

There are several reputable sites for listing a boat for sale, and many options can help you find a buyer as close as your own hometown. By having all the required and requested paperwork with you during a potential sale, it will show you are serious about selling and that everything is on the up and up.

Know your final sales price and stand firm when negotiations begin. Plan on the buyer haggling a bit and leave some wiggle room between what you are asking and what the bottom number might be.

After the Sale

Be sure to keep the keys and required documents with you until the payment has cleared. Be leary of accepting money orders, and if cash is the currency accepted, consider meeting at a bank where the bills can be verified. A cashier’s check is likely the safest method of payment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What paperwork is required to sell a boat privately?

The different required pieces of documentation needed for a privately held sale include the bill of sale, registration certificate (if a registered boat), cancellation of insurance, an optional purchase agreement, a signed boat title (if applicable), and maintenance records.

How do I transfer a boat title to a buyer?

The process of transferring a boat title varies from state to state, but the general steps include:
Complete the transfer section-the seller fills out the transfer section found on the title’s back, being sure to include the new owner’s information, and then signs it.

A bill of sale is the next step, and it should include details such as the boat’s Hull ID Number (HIN), along with identifying facts including the make, model, year, and the registration number.
After that, reporting the sale is the next step. Again, depending on your state, you have a certain number of days to report the sale. For example, in Georgia, the seller must report the boat as being sold to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources within 15 days.

This final step is just for those who have sold a boat that had previous owners. Including previous bills of sale in the document packet can show the line of ownership.

Do I need to notarize documents when selling your boat?

It is best to check with your state’s department of revenue, but in Georgia, it is not required to notarize a bill of sale. While it isn’t mandatory, applying this extra step can bring more peace of mind and extra security for the sale. Have the bill of sale notarized will help ensure both the buyer and seller verify their identity and signatures.

Do both parties have to sign the boat title when selling your boat?

Simply put-yes. When selling a boat, both the buyer and seller are required to sign their names on the boat’s title. By having both signatures, it allows the transfer of ownership to occur. The seller’s signature releases ownership, while the buyer’s signature serves as proof of becoming the new owner. Depending on the state you live in, both parties signing the title might need to be completed in front of a notary.

What forms are needed to sell a boat across state lines?

To formally gain ownership from the seller, a buyer will need a bill of sale. Additionally, a vessel registration and title application will need to be submitted in the buyer’s home state in order to register the boat in their name. If there was a loan on the boat, the buyer would need a copy of the lien release. A valid license or identification card is required, as well as a copy of the current registration.