A Missouri boat bill of sale is a legally binding agreement between two parties, which are the buyer and the seller. In some cases, specific requirements, according to law, must be abided by for the contract to be legal. For example, a complete boat description is required when rebuilt.

A legal template to ensure the requirements are met makes the process simple and legal. Using a Missouri boat bill of sale template is the easiest way to ensure a smooth transaction and meet all Missouri’s requirements.

Table of Contents

Missouri Boat Bill of Sale Requirements
- After Purchasing a Vessel
Missouri Boat Bill of Sale Template

Missouri Boat Bill of Sale Requirements

For a vessel, you may use the same official Bill of Sale form, Form 1957, or draft your boat bill of sale. Whatever you choose, each document must feature the following:

The names, contact information, and signatures of the buyer and seller
The year the vessel was built and the make and model of the vessel
The hull identification number or HIN
The title number
The purchase price
The purchase date

Many DOR forms in Missouri contain a penalty of perjury statement, though the official bill of sale does not. The state does take perjury seriously, as stated in Mo. Rev. Stat. section 575.060, which says, “A person commits the offense of making a false declaration if, with the purpose to mislead a public servant in the performance of his or her duty, such person… (s)ubmits any written false statement, which he or she does not believe to be true.” The punishment for perjury on state forms varies, but it is considered a Class D felony.

Does a Boat Bill of Sale Have to be Notarized in Missouri?

Notarization of the bill of sale for a boat in Missouri is only required if the boat has been rebuilt. In that instance, details about the ship must be included and submitted.

After Purchasing a Vessel

Private Sales

For buyers:

In Missouri, you must title and register any vessel over 12 feet and all outboard motors except trolling and electric outboard motors. Exceptions include amphibious ships owned by residents of other states or countries housed and operated in the state for less than 60 consecutive days, owned by the United States government, propelled by oars or paddles, regardless of length, and sailboats less than 12 feet long. U.S. Coast Guard documented vessels only require titling, but not registration.
You must register your vessel in Missouri within 60 days of purchase. If you do not comply, you must pay a title penalty of $10 on the 61st day. You will also have to pay an additional $10 each month you are late, with $30 as the maximum amount charged.
To title and register your vessel, you must submit the following documents to your local license office: the certificate of title, signed over to you by the seller, a Bill of Sale (Form 1957) or Notice of Sale (Form 5049) to prove ownership, an Application for Missouri Boat/Vessel or Outboard Motor Title and Registration (Form 93), and either a tax receipt showing payment of your property taxes, or a statement of non-assessment from either the city of St. Louis, if that’s where you reside, or the county in which you live.
You must pay a sales tax of 4.225%, plus additional local sales tax, rated by your city or county of residence, but not the county where you purchased the vessel. You may use the sales tax calculator provided online to get a better estimate. Additional fees include the vessel title fee of $7.50, a decal fee based on the vessel’s length, a replacement decal fee of $8.50, and a processing fee of $3.50.
Once your vessel is registered, you will receive your “MO” number, decals, and a pocket registration card. Your registration must be renewed every three years before June 30th in the year specified on the decal. You are not required to renew decals.
You may purchase a temporary permit from the DOR to operate your vessel on Missouri’s waterways for up to 30 days. The temporary permit must expire before the 60th day after the purchase of the vessel. You will need to file a Special Permits application, or Form 1275, and purchase a Temporary Watercraft Certificate of Number for a fee of $8.50, a $5.00 permit fee, plus a $3.50 processing fee.