A Maryland boat bill of sale confirms that a boat has been purchased in a private transaction between a buyer and seller. It provides evidence of the agreed-upon sales price, transfer date, and it protects the parties from future disagreements concerning the sale. The seller should complete the form to record the parties’ information, provide a boat description, and detail the pricing terms. Only the seller is required to sign the document for it to be considered valid. After possession has been transferred, the buyer must present the original bill of sale to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for registration of the watercraft.

Maryland Boat Registration

After purchasing a used boat, the owner will need to pay the excise tax and register the vessel within thirty (30) days of the sale. Registration can be accomplished as follows:

1. Complete DNR Form B-240.
2. Prepare the following documents:
   • Original title containing the buyer’s name, the seller’s signature, and the purchase price;
   • Original bill of sale (must be notarized if any information is missing from the vessel’s title);
   • If there is a lien recorded on the title, the original lien release; and
   • If the vessel was registered in another state, a copy of the out-of-state registration card or a true test copy of the official vessel record.
3. Deliver the title, DNR Form B-240, and the registration documents to a Licensing and Registration Service Center. Additional paperwork may be required if the vessel is homebuilt or was previously registered by the US Coast Guard (click here for more information).
4. Pay the registration fee to complete the process. The amount varies depending on the boat’s size and engine type.