How to Sell a Boat Privately in Louisiana (2026)
| Titling agency | Louisiana DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 40 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4.45% (Sales tax applies; parish taxes vary significantly) |
| Bill of sale notary | Required |
| Lien release form | DPSMV 1863 |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Louisiana — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Louisiana requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Louisiana 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. Louisiana uses DPSMV 1863.
- 4Gather documentation — current Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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. Sign in front of a notary.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Louisiana registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Louisiana DMV — buyer must register within 40 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Louisiana DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Louisiana lien release procedure
- Obtain Form DPSMV 1863 from the Louisiana OMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs DPSMV 1863 releasing the lien.
- Submit DPSMV 1863 with the existing title and title application at a Louisiana OMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Louisiana title.
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Start My Louisiana Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Louisiana
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Louisiana?▾
Yes. Louisiana 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 Louisiana DMV.
What is the Louisiana boat title transfer deadline?▾
Louisiana requires the buyer to transfer registration within 40 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties. Louisiana is unique: a bill of sale for a motor vehicle must be signed before a notary public and two witnesses to be legally valid. This is required under Louisiana Civil Code art. 1833.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Louisiana?▾
Louisiana charges 4.45% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Sales tax applies; parish taxes vary significantly The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Louisiana DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Louisiana boat bill of sale?▾
Yes — Louisiana requires notarization of the boat bill of sale. Louisiana is unique: a bill of sale for a motor vehicle must be signed before a notary public and two witnesses to be legally valid. This is required under Louisiana Civil Code art. 1833. For USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet), Form CG-1340 must also be notarized regardless of state rules.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Louisiana?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Louisiana DMV and pays the registration fee plus 4.45% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 40 days of the sale date.
Source: Louisiana DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07