How to Sell a Boat Privately in Wisconsin (2026)
| Titling agency | Wisconsin DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | MV1 (Title Application lien release) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Wisconsin — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Wisconsin requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Wisconsin 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. Wisconsin uses MV1 (Title Application lien release).
- 4Gather documentation — current Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Wisconsin DMV — buyer must register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Wisconsin DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Wisconsin lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes the lien release section on Form MV1 (Title Application) or provides a separate release letter.
- Owner submits MV1 with the existing title at a Wisconsin DMV service center.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Wisconsin title.
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Start My Wisconsin Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Wisconsin
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Wisconsin?▾
Yes. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin DMV.
What is the Wisconsin boat title transfer deadline?▾
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?▾
Wisconsin charges 5% 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 Wisconsin DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Wisconsin boat bill of sale?▾
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Wisconsin DMV and pays the registration fee plus 5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 10 days of the sale date.
Source: Wisconsin DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07