Maryland boat — quick answer
In Maryland, a boat bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is VR-181. Boats in Maryland may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the Maryland MVA.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Maryland?
Situational. A notarized bill of sale (VR-181) is required when the vehicle is under 7 years old and sold below book value (to base excise tax on the sale price).
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers at the MVA. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the Maryland MVA or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Maryland boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). Notarization is required specifically when a VR-181 is used (vehicle under 7 years old, sold below NADA book value). Otherwise the title transfer needs no notary.
What to include on a Maryland 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 Maryland
- 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 titles and registers at the MVA.
- 3Register with the Maryland MVA.
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 Maryland MVA before you sign. Not legal advice.
Maryland Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Maryland?
A bill of sale is situational in Maryland. A notarized bill of sale (VR-181) is required when the vehicle is under 7 years old and sold below book value (to base excise tax on the sale price).
Does a Maryland boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. Notarization is required specifically when a VR-181 is used (vehicle under 7 years old, sold below NADA book value). Otherwise the title transfer needs no notary.
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.