Boating  >  Registration & Titling  >  How to Sell a Vessel

The seller of a vessel must provide the purchaser with a "proof of ownership" document at the time of sale. The purchaser cannot get a vessel registered in his/her name without submitting the proper "proof of ownership" documentation.

New Vessel
  • If the seller is the manufacturer of the vessel, the purchaser should receive a completed "Manufacturer's Statement of Origin".
  • If the seller is a vessel dealer, the purchaser should receive a "Manufacturer's Statement of Origin" and/or a "Dealer's Bill of Sale" with the vessel's Hull Number on it.
Previously Owned Vessel
  • If the seller is a vessel dealer, the purchaser should receive a "Dealer's Bill of Sale" with the vessel's hull number on it. If the previous owner had the vessel titled—in NC or another state—the Title Document or information that would allow the purchaser to obtain the Title Document should be provided to the purchaser.
  • If the seller is an individual, and if the vessel is titled in North Carolina or another state, the purchaser should receive the title and/or a "Title Certificate" with the "Assignment Of Title" section completed and notarized by the seller. If a lien is listed on the "Title Certificate", the "Release Section" must be signed and notarized by the lender showing the "Lien As Released". The seller can then give the purchaser the Original Title Document as proof-of-ownership.
  • If the seller is an individual and the vessel is registered in North Carolina or another state, but not titled, a notarized "Bill Of Sale" is proof-of-ownership. A "Bill-Of-Sale" can be typed or handwritten on plain paper. It must include the registration number, the hull ID number, and a vessel description. It must also include the name of the seller(s) and purchaser(s), and must include notarization of the seller's signature(s).