How to Sell a Boat Privately in Rhode Island (2026)
| Titling agency | Rhode Island DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 7% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | BAR-MV-013 |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Rhode Island — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Rhode Island requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Rhode Island 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. Rhode Island uses BAR-MV-013.
- 4Gather documentation — current Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Rhode Island DMV — buyer must register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Rhode Island DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Rhode Island lien release procedure
- Obtain Form BAR-MV-013 from the Rhode Island DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs BAR-MV-013 releasing the lien.
- Submit BAR-MV-013 with the existing title and title application at a RI DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Rhode Island title.
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Start My Rhode Island Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Rhode Island
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Rhode Island?▾
Yes. Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island DMV.
What is the Rhode Island boat title transfer deadline?▾
Rhode Island requires the buyer to transfer registration within 10 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 Rhode Island?▾
Rhode Island charges 7% 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 Rhode Island DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Rhode Island boat bill of sale?▾
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Rhode Island DMV and pays the registration fee plus 7% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 10 days of the sale date.
Source: Rhode Island DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07