How to Sell a Boat Privately in Georgia (2026)
| Titling agency | Georgia DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.6% (TAVT applies to all vehicle sales — replaces sales tax since 2013) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | MV-4 or Title (lien section) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Georgia — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Georgia requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Georgia 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. Georgia uses MV-4 or Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — current Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Georgia registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Georgia DMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Georgia DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Georgia lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes the lien release section on the existing title or provides a separate lien release letter.
- Owner submits the released title with Form MV-4 (title application) at a GA county tag office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Georgia title.
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Start My Georgia Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Georgia
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Georgia?▾
Yes. Georgia 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 Georgia DMV.
What is the Georgia boat title transfer deadline?▾
Georgia 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 Georgia?▾
Georgia charges 6.6% sales/use tax on private boat sales. TAVT applies to all vehicle sales — replaces sales tax since 2013 The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Georgia DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Georgia boat bill of sale?▾
Georgia 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 Georgia?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Georgia DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6.6% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Georgia DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07