How to Sell a Boat Privately in Minnesota (2026)
| Titling agency | Minnesota DNR ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.5% (Motor vehicle sales tax applies to all vehicle sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | PS2004 or title lien release section |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Minnesota — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Minnesota requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Minnesota DNR 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. Minnesota uses PS2004 or title lien release section.
- 4Gather documentation — current Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Minnesota DNR — buyer must register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Minnesota DNR to remove liability for future fines.
Minnesota lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form PS2004 or the lien release section on the existing title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a Minnesota DVS office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Minnesota title.
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Start My Minnesota Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Minnesota
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Minnesota?▾
Yes. Minnesota 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 Minnesota DNR.
What is the Minnesota boat title transfer deadline?▾
Minnesota 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 Minnesota?▾
Minnesota charges 6.5% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Motor vehicle sales tax applies to all vehicle sales The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Minnesota DNR.
Do I need a notary for a Minnesota boat bill of sale?▾
Minnesota 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 Minnesota?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Minnesota DNR and pays the registration fee plus 6.5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 10 days of the sale date.
Source: Minnesota DNR ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07