How to Sell a Boat Privately in Maryland (2026)
| Titling agency | Maryland DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 60 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% (Excise tax applies to all vehicle sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | VR-217 |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Maryland — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Maryland requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Maryland 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. Maryland uses VR-217.
- 4Gather documentation — current Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Maryland DMV — buyer must register within 60 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Maryland DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Maryland lien release procedure
- Obtain Form VR-217 from the Maryland MVA or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs VR-217 releasing the lien.
- Submit VR-217 with the existing title and title application at a Maryland MVA office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Maryland title.
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Start My Maryland Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Maryland
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Maryland?▾
Yes. Maryland 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 Maryland DMV.
What is the Maryland boat title transfer deadline?▾
Maryland requires the buyer to transfer registration within 60 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 Maryland?▾
Maryland charges 6% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Excise tax applies to all vehicle sales The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Maryland DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Maryland boat bill of sale?▾
Maryland 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 Maryland?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Maryland DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 60 days of the sale date.
Source: Maryland DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07