Wisconsin boat — quick answer
In Wisconsin, a boat bill of sale is recommended and notarization of the title transfer is not required. The state form used for titled vehicles is MV1. Boats in Wisconsin may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the Wisconsin DMV.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Wisconsin?
Recommended. Transfer is by the title assignment plus the MV1 application; a sample bill of sale is in the MV2928 instructions.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers with WisDOT (the seller can notify online). For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the Wisconsin DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Wisconsin boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. No notarization required.
What to include on a Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
- 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 WisDOT (the seller can notify online).
- 3Register with the Wisconsin DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the boat, bringing Title & License Application (MV1) / Selling Instructions (MV2928). Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Wisconsin DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Wisconsin Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Wisconsin?
A bill of sale is recommended in Wisconsin. Transfer is by the title assignment plus the MV1 application; a sample bill of sale is in the MV2928 instructions.
Does a Wisconsin boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. No notarization required.
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.