The Rhode Island boat bill of sale form compiles the corresponding information associated with the sale of a vessel into a tangible contract, for documentation. Included in the transcript are the full names of the involved parties, the specifics concerning the boat involved in the sale, and the purchase terms of the agreement. This filing can be utilized at a later time to prove valid exchange and the precise date of purchase.
How to Register a Vessel
To legally employ a vessel while residing on waters located within the state of Rhode Island, the boat must have required registration with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. All boats propelled by a motor or sail must be registered, other than the following individual cases:
- Vessels to be utilized in the state for an amount of time less than 9o successive days, that have current registration in another state or country.
- Vessels exclusively used for racing purposes.
- Emergency lifeboats.
- Passenger ferries.
- Vessels retained by a state or federal government entity.
As a separate obligation, any boat propelled by motor or sail that is to be used in Rhode Island, as its prime location, is required to be titled by the state governing authorities. The following watercraft are exceptions to this mandate:
- Boats with a total length of 14 feet or fewer.
- Boats registered and/or titled in another state or county to be used for 90 consecutive days or fewer.
- Emergency lifeboats.
To properly apply for registration and/or title, obtain the following necessary materials for submission as follows:
- A fully completed and notarized Rhode Island Boat Registration Application.
- A finalized and notarized Rhode Island Outboard Motor Registration Application.
- New boats will require:
- Manufacturer’s certificate of origin.
- A notarized bill of sale with associated dealer information.
- Proof of sales tax paid.
- Used boats purchased from a private party will require:
- A notarized assigned title and/or prior registration.
- A notarized bill of sale or formal statement of the gift.
- Receipt of sales tax only on vessels purchased before July 29, 1993. (Tax can be paid at the Rhode Island Division of Taxation.)
- A clear photo of the hull identification number or tracing by pencil.
- A filled-out Rhode Island Application for Initial Vessel Certificate of Title, should your boat need to be titled.
- Sufficient monetary compensation for all taxes and fees.
You can then send the filings in a stamped envelope to the Rhode Island DEM location as follows:
Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade St.
Room 360
Providence, RI 02908
How to Complete the Form
Step 1 – Download the accompanying Adobe PDF to fill out the form.
Step 2 – Input the full dollar amount of the purchase price.
Step 3 – Purchaser’s Information – Include the information pertaining to the name and address of the buyer of the boat.
Step 4 – Seller’s Information – Make a notation of the specifics regarding the name and address of the seller of the vessel.
Step 5 – Vessel Information – Enter the information about the boat being sold as follows:
- Make
- Year
- Hull Identification Number
- Registration Number (if applicable)
- Title Number (if applicable)
- Motor Model
- Motor Year
- Odometer Hours Reading
Step 6 – Trailer Description – For watercraft coming equipped with a trailer, make sure to reference the following particulars on the accompanying trailer:
- Make
- Model
- Year
- Serial Number
Step 7 – In the next section, it is obligated that any encumbrances linked to either the trailer, boat, or motor be stated prior to completion of the sale.
Step 8 – Mark the date of signature along with the endorsements of the seller and buyer on the next portion of the form. This can be carried out in the presence of a professional notary official or designated witnesses. After viewing the seller and buyer execute the document, the notary or witnesses can sign and print their name(s) to validate the event.