Nevada boat — quick answer
In Nevada, a boat bill of sale is recommended and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is VP-104. Boats in Nevada may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the Nevada DMV.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Nevada?
Recommended. A bill of sale (VP-104) with original signatures supports the transfer; a bill of sale by itself is not acceptable to transfer ownership.
Seller signs the title; the buyer titles and registers at a DMV office. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the Nevada DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Nevada boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). Standard transfers do not require notarization, though some title situations may. Verify with the Nevada DMV.
What to include on a Nevada 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 Nevada
- 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 titles and registers at a DMV office.
- 3Register with the Nevada DMV.
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 Nevada DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Nevada Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Nevada?
A bill of sale is recommended in Nevada. A bill of sale (VP-104) with original signatures supports the transfer; a bill of sale by itself is not acceptable to transfer ownership.
Does a Nevada boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. Standard transfers do not require notarization, though some title situations may. Verify with the Nevada DMV.
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.