How to Sell a Boat Privately in Illinois (2026)
| Titling agency | Illinois DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 20 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.25% (Private vehicle use tax applies based on purchase price bracket) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | VSD 790 ↗ |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Illinois — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Illinois requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Illinois 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. Illinois uses VSD 790.
- 4Gather documentation — current Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Illinois DMV — buyer must register within 20 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Illinois DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Illinois lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes VSD 790 (Notice of Lien Release).
- Owner submits VSD 790 with current title to the Secretary of State.
- Pay $15 title fee.
- Receive new title with lien removed.
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Start My Illinois Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Illinois
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Illinois?▾
Yes. Illinois 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 Illinois DMV.
What is the Illinois boat title transfer deadline?▾
Illinois requires the buyer to transfer registration within 20 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 Illinois?▾
Illinois charges 6.25% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Private vehicle use tax applies based on purchase price bracket The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Illinois DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Illinois boat bill of sale?▾
Illinois 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 Illinois?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Illinois DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6.25% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 20 days of the sale date.
Source: Illinois DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07