A Wisconsin boat bill of sale records the sale of a used vessel from a private vendor to a buyer. Both parties will need to supply their contact information and signatures. The bill of sale is not a required document for registration or titling; however, it may be required for tax purposes. All motorboat vessels and sailboats greater than twelve (12) feet in length must be registered and titled with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before they can be operated in state waters. Boats from out-of-state only need to be registered if they have been in Wisconsin waterways for more than sixty (60) consecutive days.

Wisconsin Boat Registration/Titling

In Wisconsin, individuals must register boats within ten (10) days of purchase or they will be charged late fees. Both registration and titling can be applied for by completing the following steps:

1. Obtain the boat’s Certificate of Title and registration card from the seller. The title must be signed over to the buyer.
2. Complete the Boat Registration and Titling Application. Attach the previous owner’s registration card to the form.
3. Make out a check or money order payable to “WDNR” to pay for all associated fees and taxes.
4. Submit the Certificate of Title, completed application, and check or money order in person at a DNR Service Center or by mail to the address below.

DNR Processing Center
PO BOX 78701
Milwaukee, WI 53278-0701

Registration can also be completed by creating an account with gowild.wi.gov and submitting an application online. The boat’s Certificate of Title and supporting documents will still need to be sent by mail as detailed above.