Boating  >  Registration & Titling  >  Purchasing Registering Titling Used Vessel

To properly register and title a used vessel you will need to submit the following:

Purchasing a titled vessel from an individual

  • Completed VL-1 Form (PDF).
  • The original North Carolina title properly assigned with the seller’s signature notarized in the transfer section. If you are purchasing this vessel from out of state you will need to submit the original out of state title properly assigned and notarized. If the original out of state title does not require notarization of the seller’s signature our office will accept it as a valid proof of ownership document as long as the transfer section of the title is completed properly by the seller.
  • The appropriate fee.

Purchasing a non-titled vessel from an individual

  • Completed VL-1 Form (PDF).
  • Notarized bill of sale. Click here for an Example Bill of Sale (PDF).  If you are purchasing this vessel from a non-titling state you will need to submit a copy of the seller’s out of state vessel registration card as proof they were the last registered owner of the vessel.
  • The appropriate fee.

Purchasing a titled or non-titled vessel from a Dealership

  • Completed VL-1 Form (PDF).
  • Dealer’s bill of sale. The bill of sale must contain the vessel’s 12 digit hull identification number.
  • Original North Carolina title or original out of state title or if coming from a non-titling state a copy of the out of state registration card.
  • The appropriate fee.

Used vessels can be registered for a period of 1 or 3 years and any vessel 14ft in length or greater or a personal watercraft (i.e. jet ski) is required to be titled. You may register and title your vessel by mail or in person at a local Wildlife Service Agent.