How to Sell a Boat Privately in Arizona (2026)
| Titling agency | Arizona DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 15 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5.6% (Private party sales pay a flat $20 vehicle license transfer fee instead of sales tax) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | Title (lien section) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Arizona — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Arizona requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Arizona DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Arizona uses Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — current Arizona registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Arizona dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Arizona registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Arizona DMV — buyer must register within 15 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Arizona DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Arizona lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes the lien release section on the back of the existing title.
- Owner submits the released title with a title application at an AZ MVD office or Authorized Third Party.
- Pay the title fee and receive a new title without lien notation.
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Start My Arizona Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Arizona
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Arizona?▾
Yes. Arizona requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Arizona DMV.
What is the Arizona boat title transfer deadline?▾
Arizona requires the buyer to transfer registration within 15 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Arizona?▾
Arizona charges 5.6% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Private party sales pay a flat $20 vehicle license transfer fee instead of sales tax The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Arizona DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Arizona boat bill of sale?▾
Arizona does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Arizona?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Arizona DMV and pays the registration fee plus 5.6% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 15 days of the sale date.
Source: Arizona DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07