How to Sell a Boat Privately in Delaware (2026)
| Titling agency | Delaware DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 0% (No state sales tax, but a 4.25% Document Fee applies to vehicle transfers) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | MV-275 |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Delaware — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Delaware requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Delaware 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. Delaware uses MV-275.
- 4Gather documentation — current Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Delaware DMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Delaware DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Delaware lien release procedure
- Obtain Form MV-275 from the Delaware DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs MV-275 releasing the lien.
- Submit MV-275 with the existing title and title application at a DE DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean title.
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Start My Delaware Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Delaware
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Delaware?▾
Yes. Delaware 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 Delaware DMV.
What is the Delaware boat title transfer deadline?▾
Delaware 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 Delaware?▾
Delaware charges 0% sales/use tax on private boat sales. No state sales tax, but a 4.25% Document Fee applies to vehicle transfers The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Delaware DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Delaware boat bill of sale?▾
Delaware 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 Delaware?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Delaware DMV and pays the registration fee plus 0% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Delaware DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07