How to Sell a Boat Privately in Nevada (2026)
| Titling agency | Nevada DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.85% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | VP 009 or Lienholder Letter |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Nevada — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Nevada requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Nevada 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. Nevada uses VP 009 or Lienholder Letter.
- 4Gather documentation — current Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Nevada DMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Nevada DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Nevada lien release procedure
- Obtain Form VP 009 from the Nevada DMV or request a lien release letter from the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes VP 009 or provides a signed release letter.
- Submit the lien release with the existing title and title application at a Nevada DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Nevada title.
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Start My Nevada Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Nevada
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Nevada?▾
Yes. Nevada 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 Nevada DMV.
What is the Nevada boat title transfer deadline?▾
Nevada 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 Nevada?▾
Nevada charges 6.85% 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 Nevada DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Nevada boat bill of sale?▾
Nevada 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 Nevada?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Nevada DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6.85% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Nevada DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07