What Is a Bill of Sale for a Boat and How Can You Properly Get Yours?

what is a bill of sale for a boat

If you’ve taken even just a cursory look at the requirements for registering a vessel with Transport Canada, you might have asked yourself “what is a bill of sale for a boat?” Well, here’s the answer you’ve been looking for.

What Is a Bill of Sale for a Boat?

While buying a vessel is a very exciting venture, and for a variety of different reasons, it also comes with a few responsibilities that need to be taken care of. Yes, you are purchasing a vessel that opens the door to all sorts of possibilities, but you are also taking on a new piece of property that will have its own administrative and financial needs. So, that means that it will be good to know about what the subsequent process will look like. Let’s go over what is a bill of sale for a boat, what are the requirements, and how to make one so that you’re ready to take care of the whole process.

Why a Bill of Sale?

To initiate the vessel registration process, ensure you have proof of ownership for the boat. Typically, this documentation is provided by the seller or manufacturer. The bill of sale for a boat should confirm the transaction and is a crucial part of the purchase process. The vessel’s registration itself acts as proof of ownership, underscoring the importance of furnishing the bill of sale initially. Once the bill is correctly prepared, you are set for the registration process.

Requirements for a Bill of Sale:

The bill of sale for a boat should include the following details:

1. Names and contact information of both buyer and seller.

2. Date of the transaction.

3. Vessel’s information, including make, model, year, hull ID number (HIN), and registration number (if applicable).

4. Purchase price or agreed-upon value of the vessel.

5. Method of payment.

6. Any additional terms or conditions agreed upon by both parties.

It is important to ensure that all information included in the bill of sale is accurate and complete to avoid any delays in the registration process.

what is a bill of sale for a boat

Submitting the Bill For Registration

It’s vital to understand that this is a mandatory process for most non-recreational vessels. In order to register your vessel, all you need to do is properly submit the registration application. This is mostly composed of one form and a few related documents. This form mostly involves providing manufacturing data about the vessel, which will be provided by the vessel manufacturer. On top of that, some contact information about the owner will also be necessary in order to properly tie the vessel to them at an official capacity. The application that you need to submit is fully available here on our platform for you to submit yours.

File For Transport Canada Registration

Dealing with paperwork, especially with government agencies, can be a hassle. For boat owners in Canada handling boat registration or pleasure craft licenses exists National Vessel Registry Center. Our team has streamlined the process, making applications and submissions much simpler for you. Browse through our menu to locate the necessary forms. And don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance with filling them out.