How to Sell a Boat Privately in North Dakota (2026)
| Titling agency | North Dakota DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5% (Excise tax applies to all vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | SFN 18609 |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in North Dakota — 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 Dakota requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with North Dakota 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 Dakota uses SFN 18609.
- 4Gather documentation — current North Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Dakota registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify North Dakota DMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with North Dakota DMV to remove liability for future fines.
North Dakota lien release procedure
- Obtain Form SFN 18609 from the North Dakota DOT or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs SFN 18609 releasing the lien.
- Submit SFN 18609 with the existing title and title application at a county treasurer's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean North Dakota title.
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Start My North Dakota Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — North Dakota
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in North Dakota?▾
Yes. North Dakota 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 Dakota DMV.
What is the North Dakota boat title transfer deadline?▾
North Dakota 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 North Dakota?▾
North Dakota charges 5% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Excise tax applies to all vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with North Dakota DMV.
Do I need a notary for a North Dakota boat bill of sale?▾
North Dakota 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 Dakota?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to North Dakota DMV and pays the registration fee plus 5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: North Dakota DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07