When buying or selling a boat, it’s essential to have a boat bill of sale that Nebraska authorities recognize. The bill of sale essentially serves as a receipt of the transaction that one party gives the other party as some form of consideration, usually money, in exchange for a boat. However, there are specific requirements that you need to meet if you don’t want to spend a lot of extra time running around after paperwork once the initial transaction is completed.
Nebraska Boat Bill of Sale Requirements
For a Nebraska bill of sale for a boat, you need a specific set of information on the document, including the buyer’s and seller’s contact information, a description of the vessel that includes the hull’s identification number, make, model, and similar details, the registration and title numbers, the purchase price, the location and date of sale, and notarized signatures of the buyer and seller. Though most boats sold by private parties are sold as-is or in the condition they are currently in, should a warranty be included, it needs to be documented on your bill of sale for a boat in Nebraska.
Registering a Boat (After Purchasing)
When you’re getting ready to register a boat in Nebraska, you must understand what’s involved in the boat registration process so that you’re ready to handle the paperwork involved. In addition to the bill of sale requirements mentioned above, we’ll help you know where to register, what documents you’ll need, what the fees may run, and whether your boat may be exempt from titling or registration under Nebraska law.
Where to Register
Once you’ve purchased your boat, register it at your local Nebraska county treasurer’s office. However, once registered, renewals can be handled online at your local Nebraska DMV office or your county treasurer’s office.
Documents Needed to Obtain Title and Registration
Compared to some states, it’s relatively easy to collect documents for your Nebraska boat registration. You’ll need your bill of sale, an application for a boat number and certificate, and the appropriate fees to pay.
Fees
A $15 Aquatic Invasive Species fee, plus registration fees ranging from $32 to $124, based on boat length, are required, with a $5 fee required for out-of-state registrations.
Exemptions
From registering:
Boats used for under 60 days from out of state, vessels owned by government or political subdivisions, and US Coast Guard vessels are exempt from registration.
From titling:
In Nebraska, all boats that have been manufactured after 1972 are required to have a title, so boats manufactured in or before 1972 are exempt from this requirement.
Nebraska Boat Bill of Sale Template
Below, you can download a Nebraska boat bill of sale in PDF or Word format:
Does a Boat Bill of Sale Have to be Notarized in Nebraska?
Before you take your paperwork to the office, ensure it’s done right. A bill of sale for a boat that Nebraska authorities will recognize must have the buyer’s and seller’s signatures notarized.