A Rhode Island boat bill of sale is a legal document that records a transfer of ownership. It includes pertinent information about the buyer and seller and transaction details.
A bill of sale for a boat in Rhode Island also describes the vessel and allows the buyer to register it with the state.
Rhode Island Boat Bill of Sale Requirements
A bill of sale must include all the information required for a binding transaction. Omissions or errors on the bill of sale document could result in tax, insurance, and registration issues.
These are the critical points used on a boat bill of sale by dealers and private sellers in Rhode Island:
- Parties involved: The full names and addresses of the buyer and seller.
- Boat Description: The boat’s make, model, year built, color, and registration number.
- Specification: The vessel type, hull ID number, and hull material.
- Condition: If applicable, a rating from fair to new is recorded with any important notes.
- Motor: Vessels using gas-powered motors should indicate whether they are onboard or outboard types.
- Purchase price: The total purchase price, along with an indication of whether tax is included in the sale of a new vessel.
- Payment method: Sellers can list the payment method to provide further transfer details.
- Warranty: Information about the boat’s warranty, if any.
- Date of sale: The date the transaction is completed.
The document can also note if the transfer is a gift. In these cases, taxation (if any) and registration fees are typically based on fair market value.
Registering a Boat
All motorized boats larger than 12 feet, kayaks, canoes, and houseboats over 14 feet must be registered. No sales tax is due on boats purchased after July 29, 1993.
Where to Register
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Office of Boat Registration, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
Documents Needed to Obtain Title and Registration
A Rhode Island boat bill of sale is helpful when registering a vessel. Errors and omissions can result in the parties needing to meet again and redo the paperwork. These are other documents required to register a boat in Rhode Island.
- Boat Registration Application & Fee
- Application for Initial Vessel Certificate of Title
- Pencil Tracing of Hull Identification Number
- Outboard Motor Registration Application & Fee
Fees
All boats pay an initial two-year registration fee ranging from $32 for models 15 feet or less to $620 for vessels 50 feet and longer. Annual fees are assessed on boats 31 feet and longer.
Exemptions
Boats under 12 feet and canoes and kayaks under 14 feet are exempt from registration and titling.
Does a Boat Bill of Sale Have to be Notarized in Rhode Island?
A Rhode Island boat bill of sale must be notarized if the vessel is pre-owned.
Rhode Island Boat Bill of Sale Sample
Below, you can download our free Rhode Island boat bill of sale template in PDF or Word format:
