Ohio boat — quick answer
In Ohio, a boat bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is required. The state form used for titled vehicles is BMV 3770. Boats in Ohio may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the Ohio BMV.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Ohio?
Situational. For casual private sales the seller assignment (or BMV 3770 when the title space is full) must be notarized.
Seller signs the title assignment before a notary; the buyer titles at a County Clerk of Courts Title Office. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the Ohio BMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Ohio boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Required. Ohio is a title-notary state: for private sales the seller's signature on the title assignment must be notarized. Dealers are exempt.
Because Ohio requires notarization for the title transfer, do not sign the title until you are in front of a notary.
What to include on a Ohio 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 Ohio
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, and date. Sign the title before a notary, as Ohio requires.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title assignment before a notary; the buyer titles at a County Clerk of Courts Title Office.
- 3Register with the Ohio BMV.
The buyer titles and registers the boat, bringing Ownership Assignment & Title Application for Casual Sale. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Ohio BMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Ohio Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Ohio?
A bill of sale is situational in Ohio. For casual private sales the seller assignment (or BMV 3770 when the title space is full) must be notarized.
Does a Ohio boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Yes. Ohio is a title-notary state: for private sales the seller's signature on the title assignment must be notarized. Dealers are exempt.
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.