West Virginia boat — quick answer
In West Virginia, a boat bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is DMV-7-TR. Boats in West Virginia may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the West Virginia DMV.
Is a boat bill of sale required in West Virginia?
Situational. A notarized bill of sale (DMV-7-TR) is required specifically when the purchase price is below 50% of NADA Clean Loan value (for tax).
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers at the WV DMV. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the West Virginia DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a West Virginia boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). Common myth: WV is widely mis-cited as a blanket notary state. Notarization is triggered by the low-price/tax condition (price under 50% of NADA value).
What to include on a West 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 West 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 WV DMV.
- 3Register with the West Virginia DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the boat, bringing Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, or Boat. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the West Virginia DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
West Virginia Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in West Virginia?
A bill of sale is situational in West Virginia. A notarized bill of sale (DMV-7-TR) is required specifically when the purchase price is below 50% of NADA Clean Loan value (for tax).
Does a West Virginia boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. Common myth: WV is widely mis-cited as a blanket notary state. Notarization is triggered by the low-price/tax condition (price under 50% of NADA value).
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.