Mississippi boat — quick answer
In Mississippi, a boat bill of sale is recommended and notarization of the title transfer is situational. Boats in Mississippi may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the Mississippi DOR.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Mississippi?
Recommended. A bill of sale supports the title transfer; ownership transfers on the assigned title.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles through the county Tax Collector. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the Mississippi DOR or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Mississippi boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). Some out-of-state guidance treats Mississippi titles as needing a notarized transfer section, but the DOR's standard assignment does not clearly require it. Verify against your title form.
What to include on a Mississippi 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 Mississippi
- 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 through the county Tax Collector.
- 3Register with the Mississippi DOR.
The buyer titles and registers the boat. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Mississippi DOR before you sign. Not legal advice.
Mississippi Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Mississippi?
A bill of sale is recommended in Mississippi. A bill of sale supports the title transfer; ownership transfers on the assigned title.
Does a Mississippi boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. Some out-of-state guidance treats Mississippi titles as needing a notarized transfer section, but the DOR's standard assignment does not clearly require it. Verify against your title form.
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.