How to Sell a Boat Privately in Pennsylvania (2026)
| Titling agency | Pennsylvania DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 20 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | MV-38L ↗ |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Pennsylvania — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Pennsylvania requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania uses MV-38L.
- 4Gather documentation — current Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Pennsylvania DMV — buyer must register within 20 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Pennsylvania DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Pennsylvania lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form MV-38L (Lienholder's Release).
- Owner submits MV-38L with current title and MV-1 (Application for Certificate of Title) at a PennDOT-authorized center.
- Pay $58 title fee.
- Receive clean title by mail.
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Start My Pennsylvania Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Pennsylvania
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Pennsylvania?▾
Yes. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania DMV.
What is the Pennsylvania boat title transfer deadline?▾
Pennsylvania requires the buyer to transfer registration within 20 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 Pennsylvania?▾
Pennsylvania charges 6% 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 Pennsylvania DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Pennsylvania boat bill of sale?▾
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Pennsylvania DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 20 days of the sale date.
Source: Pennsylvania DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07