How to Sell a Boat Privately in Massachusetts (2026)
| Titling agency | Massachusetts DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.25% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | RMV-1 (lien section) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Massachusetts — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Massachusetts requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Massachusetts 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. Massachusetts uses RMV-1 (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — current Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Massachusetts DMV — buyer must register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Massachusetts DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Massachusetts lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes the lien release section on the existing title or provides a separate release letter.
- Owner submits the released title with Form RMV-1 (registration/title application) at a Massachusetts RMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Massachusetts title.
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Start My Massachusetts Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Massachusetts
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Massachusetts?▾
Yes. Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts DMV.
What is the Massachusetts boat title transfer deadline?▾
Massachusetts requires the buyer to transfer registration within 10 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 Massachusetts?▾
Massachusetts charges 6.25% 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 Massachusetts DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Massachusetts boat bill of sale?▾
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Massachusetts DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6.25% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 10 days of the sale date.
Source: Massachusetts DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07