A boat bill of sale is required whenever a boat is purchased in Maine. This provides, among other things, a record of the boat’s transfer of ownership from one person to another. In addition to listing both the seller and buyer, it will have a vessel description and other supplementary information about the transaction. Things like the sale price and the date the transaction took place will be included.
Maine Boat Bill of Sale Requirements
In addition to the location of the sale and the parties involved, the terms and conditions of the sale will also be outlined. This includes whether the boat was a trade-in, a gift, or a cash payment was made, etc. Other information related to the boat’s description will be included (such as the VIN, serial number, and hull ID number), and the value of the boat based on the boat itself, the motor, and any trailers that may have come with it.
Registering a Boat (After Purchasing)
In Maine, all boat registrations are valid from January 1 to December 31 in a calendar year, at which point they need to be renewed.
Where to Register
If eligible, boat registration in Maine can be handled online. However, this only applies to people who have previously registered their boat, so it is only valid for renewals, not new registrants. Likewise, the person must dock their boat in a town participating in the service. They will also be required to pay an excise tax. All others can register in person by visiting the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Office.
Documents Needed to Obtain Title Registration
The application process for title registration will require attachments including the following:
- The previously mentioned Maine boat bill of sale
- A properly completed registration application for ATVs, boats, and resident snowmobiles
- Proof that all registration fees have been paid
Fees
In Maine, registration fees vary primarily based on the horsepower associated with the boat’s motor. They break down as follows:
- Motors with 0 to 10 horsepower with a lake and river protection sticker cost a $31.00 fee, which is $16.00 without the sticker.
- Motors with 11 to 50 horsepower with a lake and river protection sticker will cost a $36.00 fee, which is $21.00 without the sticker.
- Motors with 51 to 115 horsepower with a lake and river protection sticker will cost a $42.00 fee, which is $27.00 without the sticker.
- Motors with 116 or more horsepower will cost a $50.00 fee with the lake and river protection sticker or a $35.00 fee without it.
- Personal watercraft also cost a $50.00 fee with the lake and river protection sticker and a $35.00 fee without one.
- All fees also include a $1.00 agent fee.
Exemptions (If Applicable)
From registering
- Vessels owned by the United States government do not need to be registered in Maine.
- Vessels used exclusively for racing purposes do not need to be registered if they have a motorboat number from a valid racing association displayed.
- Documented vessels owned by the United States Coast Guard do not have to be registered in Maine.
From titling
- The same exemptions for registering are true for titling a boat in Maine.
Maine Boat Bill of Sale Template
Below, you can download a Maine boat bill of sale in PDF or Word format:
Does a Boat Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in Maine?
The state of Maine does require that a boat bill of sale be notarized.