How to Sell a Boat Privately in California (2026)
| Titling agency | California DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 7.25% (Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | REG 227 ↗ |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in California — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. California requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with California 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. California uses REG 227.
- 4Gather documentation — current California 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 California 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 California registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify California DMV — buyer must register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with California DMV to remove liability for future fines.
California lien release procedure
- Obtain REG 227 from the DMV or lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs REG 227.
- Submit REG 227 with title application at DMV or by mail.
- Receive new title without lien notation (allow 4–6 weeks by mail).
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Start My California Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — California
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in California?▾
Yes. California 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 California DMV.
What is the California boat title transfer deadline?▾
California requires the buyer to transfer registration within 10 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties. CA does not require notarization of the bill of sale, but the title transfer (REG 262) must be signed by both parties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in California?▾
California charges 7.25% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with California DMV.
Do I need a notary for a California boat bill of sale?▾
California does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. CA does not require notarization of the bill of sale, but the title transfer (REG 262) must be signed by both parties. 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 California?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to California DMV and pays the registration fee plus 7.25% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 10 days of the sale date.
Source: California DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07