How to Sell a Boat Privately in Arkansas (2026)
| Titling agency | Arkansas DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.5% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | TC 96-182 |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Arkansas — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Arkansas requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Arkansas 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. Arkansas uses TC 96-182.
- 4Gather documentation — current Arkansas 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Arkansas DMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Arkansas DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Arkansas lien release procedure
- Obtain Form TC 96-182 from the Arkansas DFA Motor Vehicle Division or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs TC 96-182 releasing the lien.
- Submit TC 96-182 with the existing title and title application at your local revenue office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean title.
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Start My Arkansas Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Arkansas
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Arkansas?▾
Yes. Arkansas 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 Arkansas DMV.
What is the Arkansas boat title transfer deadline?▾
Arkansas requires the buyer to transfer registration within 30 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 Arkansas?▾
Arkansas charges 6.5% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Arkansas DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Arkansas boat bill of sale?▾
Arkansas 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 Arkansas?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Arkansas DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6.5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Arkansas DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07