How to Sell a Boat Privately in Virginia (2026)
| Titling agency | Virginia DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4.15% (Motor vehicle sales and use tax applies to all sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | VSA 5 (Lien Release) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Virginia — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Virginia requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Virginia 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. Virginia uses VSA 5 (Lien Release).
- 4Gather documentation — current Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Virginia DMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Virginia DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Virginia lien release procedure
- Obtain Form VSA 5 from the Virginia DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs VSA 5 releasing the lien.
- Submit VSA 5 with the existing title and title application at a Virginia DMV customer service center.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Virginia title.
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Start My Virginia Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Virginia
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Virginia?▾
Yes. Virginia 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 Virginia DMV.
What is the Virginia boat title transfer deadline?▾
Virginia 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 Virginia?▾
Virginia charges 4.15% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Motor vehicle sales and use tax applies to all sales The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Virginia DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Virginia boat bill of sale?▾
Virginia 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 Virginia?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Virginia DMV and pays the registration fee plus 4.15% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Virginia DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07