Rhode Island Boat (Vessel) Bill of Sale Form

Rhode Island requires all motorized vessels and boats larger than 12 feet to be registered through the Rhode Island DEM Office of Boat Registration & Licensing. New boat registrations must be handled through DEM’s Boating and Licensing Office.

• Application for Initial Vessel Certificate of Title, if the vessel must be titled.
• Boat Registration Application
• Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, if the boat is new.
• Notarized Bill of Sale or gift statement.
• Outboard Motor Registration Application, if applicable.
• Payment for registration/title fees, and taxes if applicable.
• Pencil tracing of the Hull Identification Number (HIN).
• Title signed and notarized by the seller, if the vessel was previously titled.
• U.S. Coast Guard documentation and deletion letter, if the vessel was previously documented.

Out-of-State Purchase

• Current registration certificate, if the boat came from a non-title state.
• Out-of-state title, signed and notarized by the seller, if the boat came from a title state.
• U.S. Coast Guard documentation and deletion letter, if the vessel was previously documented.

Vessels titled in Rhode Island generally require a title application within 30 days after taking possession. If ownership changes for a Rhode Island-numbered boat, a new application must be filed, and the owner must notify DEM of the transfer within 15 days.

Source: Rhode Island DEM (Boating Registration)