Illinois boat — quick answer
In Illinois, a boat bill of sale is recommended and notarization of the title transfer is not required. The state form used for titled vehicles is RUT-50. Boats in Illinois may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the Illinois SOS.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Illinois?
Recommended. There is no official state bill of sale form; the assigned title transfers ownership and a tax form reports the sale.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer files the title application and RUT-50 use tax with the Secretary of State. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the Illinois SOS or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Illinois boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. No notarization required.
What to include on a Illinois 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 Illinois
- 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 assigns the title; the buyer files the title application and RUT-50 use tax with the Secretary of State.
- 3Register with the Illinois SOS.
The buyer titles and registers the boat, bringing Private Party Vehicle Use Tax (RUT-50). Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Illinois SOS before you sign. Not legal advice.
Illinois Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Illinois?
A bill of sale is recommended in Illinois. There is no official state bill of sale form; the assigned title transfers ownership and a tax form reports the sale.
Does a Illinois boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. No notarization required.
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.