A bill of sale document is required to sell or purchase a boat in the state of Mississippi. This document contains information pertinent to the watercraft and the nature of the sale between the two parties. Such detailed information will include the names of the seller and buyer, vessel information needed for registration, and other state-required details. This document is the proof of exchange between the previous and new owners.
The seller, buyer, notary, and two witnesses must sign any boat bill of sale in Mississippi.
Mississippi Boat Bill of Sale Requirements
Selling (or purchasing) a boat in Mississippi is relatively straightforward. The state has four essential requirements:
- A notarized bill of sale
- Title
- Proof of sales tax
- New registration
Notarized Bill of Sale
A bill of sale necessary for a boat purchase in Mississippi has a few requirements. The buyer and seller’s names and addresses must be included. The boat’s hull identification number (HIN), a 12-digit serial number, should also be included in the form. The buyer, seller, and notary must also sign the bill of sale. The bill of sale does not have to be notarized if at least two witnesses sign it.
Title
If the boat has a current title, it will need to notate the transfer of ownership and be filed with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). If an existing title is unavailable, the new owner will need to file to title the vehicle with the same department.
Proof of Sales Tax
If the boat is sold in Mississippi, sales tax should be charged and paid accordingly. If the boat is purchased outside of the state, then the buyer must pay Mississippi sales tax separately and provide proof of this payment to the MDWFP.
Registering a Boat (After Purchasing)
All watercraft in Mississippi must be registered with the state. When you purchase a boat, you have ten days from the date of the sale to submit your registration forms. Boat registrations last three years and can be renewed online, by phone (800-546-4868), or by mail (see address in next section).
The MDWFP handles registration. Below you will find details for registration, including documentation, addresses, and fees.
Where to Register
You can mail your boat registration application to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks headquarters: MDWFP Boat Registration, 1505 Eastover Dr., Jackson, MS 39211.
Documents Needed to Obtain Title and Registration
- Notarized bill of sale
- Certificate of Title
- Mississippi Motor Boat Registration Application
- Mississippi Motor Title Application
- Registration fees
Fees
Registration fees:
- Less than 16 feet – $10.20
- 16 to 26 feet – $25.20
- 26 feet and over – $47.70
Title fees: $12.70
Mississippi Boat Bill of Sale Template
Below, you can download a Mississippi boat bill of sale in PDF or Word format:
Does a Boat Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in Mississippi?
Yes, a bill of sale must be notarized, or the seller and buyer must sign it and two witnesses.