How to Sell a Boat Privately in Missouri (2026)
| Titling agency | Missouri DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4.225% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | 4809 (Lien Holder Release) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Missouri — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Missouri requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Missouri 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. Missouri uses 4809 (Lien Holder Release).
- 4Gather documentation — current Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Missouri DMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Missouri DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Missouri lien release procedure
- Obtain Form 4809 from the Missouri DOR or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs Form 4809 releasing the lien.
- Submit Form 4809 with the existing title and title application at a Missouri license office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Missouri title.
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Start My Missouri Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Missouri
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Missouri?▾
Yes. Missouri 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 Missouri DMV.
What is the Missouri boat title transfer deadline?▾
Missouri 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 Missouri?▾
Missouri charges 4.225% 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 Missouri DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Missouri boat bill of sale?▾
Missouri 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 Missouri?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Missouri DMV and pays the registration fee plus 4.225% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Missouri DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07