Boat Bill of Sale Form - Rhode Island

How to Sell a Boat in Rhode Island?

There are several steps to take when selling a vessel in Rhode Island:

1. Before you sell your boat, make necessary repairs to it, because certain issues and defects may prevent the sale from happening. Clean your vessel and advertise it properly. It is highly recommended to meet the prospective purchaser in person and ask for an electronic payment instead of cash;
2. Compose a Bill of Sale. It should include personal details of the parties (names, addresses, driver's license numbers), a full description of the vessel (make, model, size, color, hull identification number), date, location, and time of the sale, and signatures of the parties. Each party gets a copy of the document as proof of payment or purchase. If you are selling a used boat, the Bill of Sale must be notarized;
3. Write down the purchaser's name in the transfer section on the boat's certificate of title;
4. Determine which documents are needed to finalize the sale. Prepare to give the certificate of title, manufacturer's statement of origin, warranty cards, and maintenance records to the buyer.

The new owner is responsible for registering the boat and getting insurance. Submit the following documents to your local Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management office:

1. New boat - a Bill of Sale, manufacturer's statement of origin, Application for Initial Vessel Certificate of Title, Boat Registration Application, Outboard Motor Registration Application;
2. Used boat - a Bill of Sale, title signed by the seller, Application for Initial Vessel Certificate of Title, Boat Registration Application, Outboard Motor Registration Application;

When you deliver the documents, be ready to pay for all registration and titling fees. If completed properly, your Rhode Island Boat Bill of Sale will serve as proof of a vessel transaction accepted by all government agencies.

Does a Boat Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in Rhode Island?

Yes, Rhode Island does require a notary public's certification when conducting boat sales. This can save potential trouble which might occur should the seller or buyer contest the transaction at a later date.

Still looking for a particular form? Take a look at these similar forms below:

• Rhode Island Boating Accident Report;
• Rhode Island Bill of Sale Templates;
• Boat Bill of Sale Templates.