Rhode Island boat — quick answer
In Rhode Island, a boat bill of sale is recommended and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is Bill of Sale. Boats in Rhode Island may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the Rhode Island DMV.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Rhode Island?
Recommended. A bill of sale accompanies the assigned title. Rhode Island began titling all vehicles in 2024.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers at the RI DMV. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the Rhode Island DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Rhode Island boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). Notarization applies only when an absent co-owner must sign the registration application.
What to include on a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
- 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 RI DMV.
- 3Register with the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Rhode Island Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Rhode Island?
A bill of sale is recommended in Rhode Island. A bill of sale accompanies the assigned title. Rhode Island began titling all vehicles in 2024.
Does a Rhode Island boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. Notarization applies only when an absent co-owner must sign the registration application.
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.