How to Sell a Boat Privately in North Carolina (2026)
| Titling agency | North Carolina DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 28 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 3% (3% highway use tax capped at $250 for private sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | NC Title (lien release section) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in North Carolina — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. North Carolina requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with North Carolina 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. North Carolina uses NC Title (lien release section).
- 4Gather documentation — current North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify North Carolina DMV — buyer must register within 28 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with North Carolina DMV to remove liability for future fines.
North Carolina lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes the lien release section on the back of the existing NC title.
- Owner submits the released title and title application at a NC DMV license plate agency.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean North Carolina title.
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Start My North Carolina Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — North Carolina
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in North Carolina?▾
Yes. North Carolina 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 North Carolina DMV.
What is the North Carolina boat title transfer deadline?▾
North Carolina requires the buyer to transfer registration within 28 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 North Carolina?▾
North Carolina charges 3% sales/use tax on private boat sales. 3% highway use tax capped at $250 for private sales The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with North Carolina DMV.
Do I need a notary for a North Carolina boat bill of sale?▾
North Carolina 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 North Carolina?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to North Carolina DMV and pays the registration fee plus 3% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 28 days of the sale date.
Source: North Carolina DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07