The Mississippi boat bill of sale form constitutes an organized written account of the facts concerning the sale of watercraft for a precise monetary value. The information contained in the register lists all involved parties identifies the vessel involved in the exchange and provides language to explain how the sale will be carried out. This form can be used down the line to accommodate proof of payment should it be requested by municipal authorities for registration or tax purposes.
How to Register a Boat
Mississippi imposes numerous regulations that must be complied with to employ a vessel within state waterways legally. All boats to be utilized on Mississippi waters that are propelled by motor or by sail must be registered by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Exemption from registering in-state is allowable should the vessel be actively registered in another state and be utilized for fewer than 60 consecutive days in Mississippi. Upon purchasing a new vessel, the state allows a total of 10 days of grace to apply for registration before imposing a penalty.
Additionally, for a person to lawfully operate a watercraft in-state, they must pass a vessel safety education program if born after the year 1980. To begin the application process, assemble the following documents to present (or mail) to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks:
- A filled-out and signed Mississippi Motor Boat Registration Application (Rev 2016) (The bottom portion below the dashed line of the application serves as a temporary registration. You may remove this section with scissors and keep it for your records).
- Satisfactory proof of ownership:
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
- Bill of sale
- Statement of how the vessel came into your possession, attested to by a witnessing authority such as a notary or attorney.
- Receipt of paid Mississippi sales tax.
- All associated registration fees and taxes.
Once obtaining the required documents, you can attend or send them in an envelope to the following address to apply:
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
Boat Registration
1505 Eastover Drive
Jackson, MS 39211-6374
How to Complete the Form
Step 1 – Initiate the completion of the form by downloading the Adobe PDF to input the requested information.
Step 2 – Enter the sum of the purchase price in the provided blank space.
Step 3 – Buyer/Seller Information – Include the prompted information about the seller and buyer taking part in the transaction of the vessel:
- Name
- Address
- City
- State
- Zip Code
Step 4 – Description of Vessel – Include the specific information about the boat as follows:
- Make
- Year
- Hull ID Number
- Registration Number
- Title Number
- Motor Model
- Year (of Motor)
- Odometer Reading (in hours)
Step 5 – Description of Trailer – In the case that a trailer is granted within the purchase, signify the information that corresponds to it as requested:
- Make
- Model
- Year
- Serial Number
Step 6 – Reveal in writing any outstanding loans on the watercraft at the time of sale.
Step 7 – Procure signatures from the purchaser and seller of the boat, while including the date of endorsement on the form as well.
Step 8 – Under the direction of an authorized notary official, the signatures are further validated. Should you elect to utilize the assistance of witnesses in place of a notary, ensure that the persons involved are not related to either party.