How to Sell a Boat Privately in Vermont (2026)
| Titling agency | Vermont DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 60 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% (Purchase and use tax applies to all vehicle sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | VD-007 or Title Lien Section |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Vermont — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Vermont requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Vermont 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. Vermont uses VD-007 or Title Lien Section.
- 4Gather documentation — current Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Vermont DMV — buyer must register within 60 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Vermont DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Vermont lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form VD-007 or the lien release section on the existing Vermont title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a Vermont DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Vermont title.
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Start My Vermont Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Vermont
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Vermont?▾
Yes. Vermont 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 Vermont DMV.
What is the Vermont boat title transfer deadline?▾
Vermont requires the buyer to transfer registration within 60 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 Vermont?▾
Vermont charges 6% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Purchase and use tax applies to all vehicle sales The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Vermont DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Vermont boat bill of sale?▾
Vermont 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 Vermont?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Vermont DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 60 days of the sale date.
Source: Vermont DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07