Tacoma Yacht Bill of Sale Requirements

Washington Yacht transfer fees and requirements

In Washington, the title transfer fee is $12 and registration costs $30 plus RTA tax in certain areas. Yacht sales are subject to 6.5% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~10.4%). Washington does not require notarization for private-party yacht transfers. Emission testing is required in Washington — verify the yacht passes before completing the sale.

• Department of Licensing (DOL) handles titles and registration
• Emissions testing required in parts of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, and Spokane counties
• Use tax applies to private party purchases
• Electric vehicle fee of $225 per year

Washington sales tax on yacht purchases

Washington has a 6.5% state sales tax rate. 6.5% state plus local taxes (total up to ~10.4%). Private-party yacht sales in Washington are subject to sales tax. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $12.

Yacht market data and safety information

The most common yacht makes in private-party sales are Sea Ray, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Grady-White, Viking. Average private-party yacht prices range from $50,000–$500,000+. Yachts average 1 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Engine.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used yacht

Before completing a yacht bill of sale in Washington, verify these safety items:

• Require a professional marine survey before purchase — standard practice for vessels over 26 ft
• Inspect engine hours, service records, and oil analysis reports
• Check hull condition with moisture meter and visual inspection below waterline
• Verify USCG documentation or state registration status
• Confirm life-raft service is current and EPIRB is registered/within battery date
• Verify USCG-required PFDs for max passenger count plus throwables and signals
• Test bilge alarm system and high-water sensors in each compartment
• Inspect fire-suppression system in engine room (FE-241 or equivalent)

Yacht insurance and depreciation in Washington

Yacht insurance is 1–2% of hull value annually. Agreed-value policies are standard. Navigation limits and crew requirements affect premiums. Yachts depreciate 10–15% per year for the first 5 years. Well-maintained vessels from premium builders hold value best. Peak season for private yacht sales is fall/winter boat shows drive buyer interest for spring delivery, with an average of 90 days on market.

Yacht registration and titling

Yachts are classified as "USCG-documented vessel (over 5 net tons) or state-registered vessel" for registration purposes. Yachts are classified by length overall (LOA), not weight. Vessels over 65 ft may require a licensed captain. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to yachts.

Yacht title transfer rules

Yacht ownership transfer uses a Hull Identification Number (HIN). Yachts over 5 net tons are typically documented with the U.S. Coast Guard rather than state-titled. USCG documentation transfer requires filing with the National Vessel Documentation Center. USCG-documented yachts use a federal Certificate of Documentation and transfer through the National Vessel Documentation Center. State-titled yachts (uncommon for vessels this size) use state title transfer procedures.

Odometer disclosure for yacht sales

Yachts are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. Engine hours are commonly documented but not legally required.

• Applicable law: 46 CFR Part 67 — USCG Documentation of Vessels

Required disclosures for yacht sales in Washington

When selling a yacht in Washington, the following disclosures apply:

• USCG documentation status and any outstanding maritime liens — the Abstract of Title from the Coast Guard should be reviewed before purchase.
• Marine survey results (hull, engine, rigging) are standard practice for yacht transactions and should be referenced in the bill of sale.
• Slip or mooring transfer — marina agreements do not automatically transfer with the vessel and should be addressed separately.

Washington bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 2,241 bill of sale documents for Washington transactions, with 60 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.