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