If you’ve ever sold or purchased a car in Alberta, then you’re likely familiar with the Alberta vehicle bill of sale. This simple yet vital document lays the groundwork for proving a transfer of ownership between parties. While this document is commonly associated with cars and trucks, the bill of sale also plays a significant role in the purchase and sale of boats across Canada.
That said, a boat bill of sale isn’t identical to a vehicle bill of sale, and understanding those differences can save you a lot of hassle down the line.
At the National Vessel Registry Center Corp., we don’t offer bills of sale—either for boats or for vehicles—but what we can provide is a fast, easy way to document your boat with Transport Canada. Once a transaction involving a boat has taken place, we can help ensure your Transport Canada paperwork is in good standing and up to date.
The Core Functions of a Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is a written agreement that confirms the transfer of ownership from one party to another. It includes information about the buyer, the seller, and the item being sold. For vehicles and boats alike, it serves as a legal receipt that proves the transaction occurred.
In Alberta, a vehicle bill of sale is especially standardized. The province provides an official template that both the buyer and seller can use. This includes identifying details such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), odometer reading, sale price, and both parties’ signatures. While it is not a government-issued registration, it is often required to complete registration or insurance processes.
For boats, there is no single, nationwide government-issued bill of sale template. Instead, buyers and sellers must draft their own or use widely accepted templates that include similar details: the names and contact information of the parties involved, the hull identification number (HIN), make, model, and year of the boat, the date of the sale, and the final purchase price.
While each province may have its own customs or preferences, there isn’t one official Canadian boat bill of sale that applies everywhere. However, as with the Alberta vehicle bill of sale, a properly completed boat bill of sale can be valid throughout Canada when it contains all relevant and required details.
The Main Differences Between Boat and Vehicle Bills of Sale
One key difference is what happens after the bill of sale is signed. Once both parties have completed the sale, the buyer will use the Alberta vehicle bill of sale to register the vehicle under their name and obtain proper plates and insurance.
Boat ownership, on the other hand, is handled a bit differently. In Canada, boats used commercially or boats that exceed a certain size require documentation through Transport Canada. For boats that don’t need to be documented, registration is still possible—but it’s optional.
This is where our help can be so valuable. Once you’ve completed your boat bill of sale, you can use our site to submit the necessary forms for Transport Canada documentation or registration.
Our secure, streamlined platform allows you to apply for, if you’re eligible, initial documentation, renew documentation, and handle ownership transfers—all without having to download, print, or mail physical forms.
Different Government Authorities
Another key distinction lies in who manages the process. Vehicle ownership in Alberta is overseen by the Alberta government’s Service Alberta division. Bills of sale are commonly submitted in person at a registry agent office.
With boats, Transport Canada is the federal authority. That means your bill of sale for a boat might be used to initiate a documentation process that’s governed at the national level, not provincial.
At the National Vessel Registry Center Corp., we make this federal process easier by offering a comprehensive online portal. Whether you need to submit Form 6 (Bill of Sale), Form 1 (Application for Registry), or any other relevant paperwork to Transport Canada, we help guide you through every step of the way.
When Proof of Ownership Isn’t Enough
A major misconception is that a bill of sale—on its own—confirms legal ownership. For both vehicles and boats, this isn’t entirely accurate. While the bill of sale is important, it must be paired with formal registration or documentation to be legally recognized.
This is especially important for boats that are required to be documented with Transport Canada. Commercial boats and boats with engines of 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more that travel internationally or carry a marine mortgage must be documented, and this documentation includes issuing an official Certificate of Registry.
The Alberta vehicle bill of sale may start registration, but a Canadian boat bill begins a longer federal process.
When You Don’t Need a Bill of Sale Through Us
It’s important to know we help with Transport Canada documentation but don’t provide bill of sale templates or facilitate sales. You must prepare or obtain a valid boat bill of sale before using our platform for registration or documentation services.
We help you understand which forms you need, where to find them, and how to submit everything correctly and efficiently. Our platform serves boat owners across Canada, from first-time buyers to those transferring commercial vessel ownership.
Why the Boat Sale Process Differs from an Alberta Vehicle Bill of Sale
The Alberta vehicle bill of sale offers a clear, province-specific process for registering ownership of a car or truck. It’s highly standardized and overseen at the provincial level.
Boat sales and documentation differ from vehicles, as they’re federally governed by Transport Canada with various conditions and requirements.
Wherever you are in Canada, your boat bill of sale must contain clear, accurate, and complete ownership transfer information. And if the boat requires documentation, you can turn to us to handle that process efficiently and securely.
We’re here to help guide you through what comes next. Use our services to apply for initial documentation, ownership transfers, or registration renewals with speed and confidence.
A Portal for Canadian Boat Owners
If you’re familiar with the Alberta vehicle bill of sale, note that boat documentation follows a completely different federal process. That’s where our portal can be an invaluable tool.
Start your Transport Canada application using a valid boat bill of sale, and let us help you do it right.