Maryland Boat (Vessel) Bill of Sale Form

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Updated on January 19th, 2021

The Maryland boat bill of sale form entails the logging of a written transcript to account for the exchange of an agreed-upon monetary consideration for the right to ownership of a watercraft. This implemented contract documents key components of the sale, including information associated with the involved parties as well as the vessel and sale price. This document serves as a lawful covenant granting ownership and providing evidence of the transfer of the property.

How to Register a Boat

Maryland’s legislative bylaws mandate that any vessel utilizing a motor to set itself in motion on state waterways must be registered by the state. This applies to both recreational and commercial watercraft unless registered in a neighboring state while being used for an amount of time less than 90 consecutive days. Upon purchase of a new or used boat, you will be required to pay the excise tax for the vessel in full within 30 days of purchase to avoid penalty.

To apply for registration, prepare the following required documentation to be delivered to your nearest Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

  • A filled and executed Maryland Application for Registered Vessel or Documented Vessel.
  • Notarized bill of sale.
  • Also, if purchased new from an authorized dealer, you will be required to produce:
    • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
    • Photograph or tracing of Hull Identification Number (if vessel length is shorter than 12 feet).
  • If purchased used form a private party, you will be required to produce:
    • The original title, properly signed-over to the buyer.
    • A lien release, if a listed claim appears on the title.
    • Prior registration if the vessel is purchased from a state that does not require a title.
  • Proper payment for all applicable taxes and fees.

 How to Complete the Form

Step 1 – Download the Adobe PDF to fill in the electronic form.

Step 2 – Vessel Information – Complete all the prompted data concerning the watercraft involved in the transaction as follows:

  • Vessel:
    • Hull Identification Number
    • Manufacturer
    • Length (in feet and inches)
  • Motor:
    • Serial Number
    • Manufacturer
    • Model
    • Horsepower
  • Vessel Registration Number or USCG Documentation Number

Step 3 – Input the information regarding the gross sale price and the date of the sale into the corresponding spaces.

Step 4 – Place a checkmark in the box to accurately identify the boat for the following categories:

  • Vessel Type
  • Hull Material
  • Propulsion
  • Fuel

Step 5 – Purchaser Information – Include requested information about the buyer of the vessel:

  • Purchaser #1 Name (First, Middle, Last)
  • Purchaser #1 Name (First, Middle, Last)
  • Purchaser Mailing Address

Step 6 – Seller Information – Input the same information for the seller of the vessel:

  • Seller #1 Name (First, Middle, Last)
  • Seller #1 Name (First, Middle, Last)
  • Seller Mailing Address

Step 7 – In the case that the watercraft was not adequately documented before the sale, it is required that the following be addressed:

  • Date Acquired
  • Name of the Previous Owner
  • Reason for No Previous Vessel Documentation

Step 8 – To finalization of the form requires a date of signature followed by endorsements by the seller or sellers to make the contract enforceable.