Virginia boat — quick answer
In Virginia, a boat bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is SUT 1A. Boats in Virginia may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the Virginia DMV.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Virginia?
Situational. A bill of sale can be handwritten. For vehicles 5 years old or newer, a notarized SUT 1A is used to certify the price for tax.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers at the Virginia DMV (often available online). For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the Virginia DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Virginia boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). Notarization is required for the SUT 1A (vehicles 5 years old or newer, to certify a below-average price). The title itself is not notarized.
What to include on a Virginia 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 Virginia
- 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 Virginia DMV (often available online).
- 3Register with the Virginia DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the boat, bringing Purchase Price Certification (SUT 1) / Affidavit (SUT 1A). Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Virginia DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Virginia Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Virginia?
A bill of sale is situational in Virginia. A bill of sale can be handwritten. For vehicles 5 years old or newer, a notarized SUT 1A is used to certify the price for tax.
Does a Virginia boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. Notarization is required for the SUT 1A (vehicles 5 years old or newer, to certify a below-average price). The title itself is not notarized.
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.