How to Sell a Boat Privately in Ohio (2026)
| Titling agency | Ohio DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5.75% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | BMV 3774 |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Ohio — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Ohio requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Ohio 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. Ohio uses BMV 3774.
- 4Gather documentation — current Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Ohio DMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Ohio DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Ohio lien release procedure
- Obtain Form BMV 3774 from the Ohio BMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs BMV 3774 releasing the lien.
- Submit BMV 3774 with the existing title and title application at a county title office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Ohio title.
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Start My Ohio Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Ohio
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Ohio?▾
Yes. Ohio 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 Ohio DMV.
What is the Ohio boat title transfer deadline?▾
Ohio 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 Ohio?▾
Ohio charges 5.75% 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 Ohio DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Ohio boat bill of sale?▾
Ohio 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 Ohio?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Ohio DMV and pays the registration fee plus 5.75% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Ohio DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07