A Missouri boat bill of sale, known as “Form 1957,” has been created by the Department of Revenue to record the transfer of boat ownership between parties within the State. It produces evidence of the transfer that owners can use to register their watercraft or replace a lost or damaged certificate of title. In the bill of sale, the seller must identify the parties’ names and addresses, provide a description of the vessel being sold, and define the agreed-upon selling price. Notarization of the completed document is required if the vessel was rebuilt (notary public services are available at a DOR licensing office for a $2 fee). Following the transaction, the seller must report the transfer by filing a Notice of Sale or Transfer with the Department of Revenue.

Missouri Vehicle Registration/Titling

Missouri boat owners have sixty (60) days from the purchase date to register and title their newly acquired boat unless the boat is exempt from registration (see list of exceptions). To register and title the vessel, the owner must file the following documents with a licensing office:

1. Proof of ownership in the form of a bill of sale, Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), or Certificate of Title assigned to the new owner.
2. A completed and signed Application for Missouri Boat/Vessel or Outboard Motor Title and Registration (Form 93).
3. A receipt proving payment of personal property tax, or a statement of non-assessment issued from a Collector or Assessor for the previous year.
4. If the vessel’s title has a lien, a Notarized Lien Release.

After filing the above documents, the owner will need to pay the titling, registration, and processing fees for the boat and any outboard motors.