Vermont boat — quick answer
In Vermont, a boat bill of sale is required and notarization of the title transfer is not required. The state form used for titled vehicles is VT-005. Boats in Vermont may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the Vermont DMV.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Vermont?
Required. Vermont requires the VT-005 bill of sale, which combines the bill of sale and odometer disclosure.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers with the Vermont DMV. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the Vermont DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Vermont boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. The standard VT-005 is not notarized (non-titled vehicles use a notarized VT-025).
What to include on a Vermont 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 Vermont
- 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 with the Vermont DMV.
- 3Register with the Vermont DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the boat, bringing Bill of Sale & Odometer Disclosure Statement. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Vermont DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Vermont Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Vermont?
A bill of sale is required in Vermont. Vermont requires the VT-005 bill of sale, which combines the bill of sale and odometer disclosure.
Does a Vermont boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. The standard VT-005 is not notarized (non-titled vehicles use a notarized VT-025).
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.