A Maine boat bill of sale is used to document the transfer of boat ownership in a private sale. It attests that a buyer paid a designated purchase price to obtain ownership rights to a motorboat, sailboat, non-motorized houseboat, or other type of watercraft. The form includes all the necessary data that will be required when registering with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW). This information includes the boat’s make, model, size, and hull ID number (HIN). If the sale involves an outboard motor or trailer, it must be documented as well. Both the buyer and seller should retain a copy of the form following the transaction.

Maine Boat Registration

Boat owners will need to register their vessel with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) before it can be used on state waters. To register a boat for the first time, the boat’s owner must do the following:

1. Contact an MDIFW office to request an application.
2. Fill out the application and deliver it in-person or by mail to the MDIFW. Along with the application, the owner must provide a copy of their bill of sale form and payment for the registration fee (current fees are reviewable on this webpage).
3. If registration is taking place outside of the owner’s town of residence, a document showing proof of payment for the annual excise tax must also be submitted.