How to Sell a Boat Privately in New York (2026)
| Titling agency | New York DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4% (Sales tax based on county of residence; applies to private sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | MV-190 ↗ |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in New York — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. New York requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with New York 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. New York uses MV-190.
- 4Gather documentation — current New York 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 New York 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 New York registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify New York DMV — buyer must register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with New York DMV to remove liability for future fines.
New York lien release procedure
- Obtain MV-190 from the DMV or lienholder.
- Lienholder or authorized dealer completes MV-190.
- Submit MV-190 with current title and MV-82 at a NY DMV office.
- Pay title fee ($50 for first issuance).
- Receive clean title within 2–3 weeks.
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Start My New York Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — New York
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in New York?▾
Yes. New York 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 New York DMV.
What is the New York boat title transfer deadline?▾
New York 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. NY does not require a notarized bill of sale, but MV-82 (Vehicle Registration/Title Application) must be notarized in some circumstances.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in New York?▾
New York charges 4% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Sales tax based on county of residence; applies to private sales The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with New York DMV.
Do I need a notary for a New York boat bill of sale?▾
New York does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. NY does not require a notarized bill of sale, but MV-82 (Vehicle Registration/Title Application) must be notarized in some circumstances. 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 New York?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to New York DMV and pays the registration fee plus 4% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 10 days of the sale date.
Source: New York DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07