How to Sell a Boat Privately in Maine (2026)
| Titling agency | Maine DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5.5% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | Lienholder Statement |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Maine — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Maine requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Maine 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. Maine uses Lienholder Statement.
- 4Gather documentation — current Maine 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 Maine 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 Maine registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Maine DMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Maine DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Maine lien release procedure
- Lienholder provides a signed lienholder statement or completes the lien release section on the existing title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the existing title and title application at a Maine BMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Maine title.
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Start My Maine Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Maine
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Maine?▾
Yes. Maine 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 Maine DMV.
What is the Maine boat title transfer deadline?▾
Maine 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 Maine?▾
Maine charges 5.5% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Maine DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Maine boat bill of sale?▾
Maine 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 Maine?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Maine DMV and pays the registration fee plus 5.5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Maine DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07