Arizona boat — quick answer
In Arizona, a boat bill of sale is recommended and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is 48-2004. Boats in Arizona may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the Arizona MVD.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Arizona?
Recommended. A bill of sale is optional for most private sales; ownership transfers by signing over the title.
Seller signs the title; the buyer applies for a new title and registration at an MVD or Authorized Third Party office. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the Arizona MVD or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Arizona boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). Arizona's bill of sale form includes a notary/MVD-agent acknowledgment block. Standard private title transfers do not require notarization, but some title situations do — verify with the MVD.
What to include on a Arizona boat bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and length
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) — 12 characters
- Motor details (make, horsepower, serial number)
- Whether a trailer is included
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a boat in Arizona
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title; the buyer applies for a new title and registration at an MVD or Authorized Third Party office.
- 3Register with the Arizona MVD.
The buyer titles and registers the boat, bringing Bill of Sale. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Arizona MVD before you sign. Not legal advice.
Arizona Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Arizona?
A bill of sale is recommended in Arizona. A bill of sale is optional for most private sales; ownership transfers by signing over the title.
Does a Arizona boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. Arizona's bill of sale form includes a notary/MVD-agent acknowledgment block. Standard private title transfers do not require notarization, but some title situations do — verify with the MVD.
What is a HIN on a boat bill of sale?
The Hull Identification Number is a 12-character code unique to the boat, similar to a VIN on a car. It is required to register the vessel and should be copied exactly.
Do I need a separate bill of sale for the boat trailer and motor?
The motor is usually described on the boat bill of sale. A trailer often has its own VIN and may need its own bill of sale and registration — use our trailer bill of sale for that.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.