Wisconsin boat — quick answer
Use this template to record the buyer, seller, price and identifying details for a boat in Wisconsin. Check the item's title status and the current item-specific agency instructions. A bill of sale alone may not be enough to transfer ownership or register the item.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Wisconsin?
Check the current Wisconsin requirements for this item and whether it has a title. An ordinary bill of sale is a record of the agreement, not a replacement for missing ownership documents.
Does a Wisconsin boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Check the instructions for the specific title and bill-of-sale form. A requirement to notarize a title assignment does not automatically mean the separate bill of sale needs notarization. If notarization is required, wait to sign until the notary instructs you.
What to include on a Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
- 1
Confirm the seller owns the item and identify any title, serial number, lien or other ownership document.
- 2
Check the official agency process for this item and its current title status before completing the sale.
- 3
Record the buyer, seller, item identifiers, price, date and agreed conditions accurately. Keep signed copies.
- 4
Complete any separately required title transfer, lien release, registration or tax paperwork.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Wisconsin DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Wisconsin Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Wisconsin?
Requirements depend on the item and title status. Check the current Wisconsin instructions for this type of sale; the general motor-vehicle rule may not apply.
Does a Wisconsin boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Check the signing requirements for the specific title and bill-of-sale form. Notarization of a title assignment and notarization of a bill of sale are separate questions; a car rule does not establish the rule for this item.
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.