Hawaii boat — quick answer
In Hawaii, a boat bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is CS-L(MVR)40 / county forms. Boats in Hawaii may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the County DMV.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Hawaii?
Situational. A bill of sale is used in the transfer; titling is handled by each county.
Seller signs the title; the buyer completes transfer at the county motor vehicle office for their island. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the County DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Hawaii boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). A notarized bill of sale is required when the recorded owner is not releasing the title. Standard transfers use ink signatures on the title.
What to include on a Hawaii boat bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and length
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) — 12 characters
- Motor details (make, horsepower, serial number)
- Whether a trailer is included
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a boat in Hawaii
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title; the buyer completes transfer at the county motor vehicle office for their island.
- 3Register with the County DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the boat, bringing County Vehicle Bill of Sale. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
- County Motor Vehicle offices (Hawaii titling is county-administered)
- County Vehicle Bill of Sale (CS-L(MVR)40 / county forms)
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the County DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Hawaii Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Hawaii?
A bill of sale is situational in Hawaii. A bill of sale is used in the transfer; titling is handled by each county.
Does a Hawaii boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. A notarized bill of sale is required when the recorded owner is not releasing the title. Standard transfers use ink signatures on the title.
What is a HIN on a boat bill of sale?
The Hull Identification Number is a 12-character code unique to the boat, similar to a VIN on a car. It is required to register the vessel and should be copied exactly.
Do I need a separate bill of sale for the boat trailer and motor?
The motor is usually described on the boat bill of sale. A trailer often has its own VIN and may need its own bill of sale and registration — use our trailer bill of sale for that.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.