Boat Bill of Sale in Hawaii

You shook hands and the money changed hands — but the boat isn't really sold until the paperwork moves it out of your name and into the buyer's. In Hawaii that runs through the vessel title, backed by a bill of sale (notarized when it's the proof of ownership), and a trip to DOBOR on a clock. Miss a step and you can be stuck with liability, late fees, or a deal that won't close. Here's how to do it clean.

First, what changed: Hawaii now titles vessels

This trips up a lot of sellers who last sold a boat years ago. On July 1, 2021, Hawaii began titling vessels, the way the state titles cars. Ownership now transfers through the boat's certificate of title — and the registration (the "certificate of number") no longer proves who owns the boat. A vessel title doesn't expire; it's good for the life of the boat or until it's sold again.

What that means in practice: if your boat already has a Hawaii title, you sign it over to the buyer as part of the sale, and that signed title is the main document that moves ownership. If your boat doesn't have a title yet — or it's an out-of-state or brand-new vessel — you'll need to get one titled, and that's where the bill of sale still does heavy lifting as proof of ownership. If you can't find your title, budget time to request a replacement before closing.

Where the bill of sale still matters — and when it's notarized

A bill of sale is the document that records the sale itself: who sold what, to whom, for how much, and when. It protects both sides. For the seller, it's proof you no longer own the boat; for the buyer, it's proof of how they acquired it. Even when a signed title does the legal transfer, a written bill of sale is cheap insurance and worth keeping.

Here's the Hawaii wrinkle. When the bill of sale is the proof of ownership — an untitled boat, an out-of-state vessel, or certain first-time titling situations — DOBOR expects the seller's signature to be notarized. You don't have to use DOBOR's official form; any bill of sale can work, but line up a notary before you sit down to sign so the paperwork holds up. When in doubt, notarize it — it's rarely wrong to have.

What to put on a Hawaii boat bill of sale

Whether you use DOBOR's form or your own, a solid bill of sale should include:

• The boat's ID — the HA registration number and the Hull Identification Number (HIN), plus make, model, year, and length.
• Anything included in the sale — engine(s) with serial numbers, and the trailer with its VIN if it's part of the deal.
• Price and date of the sale.
• Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller.
• "As-is" language if you're selling without warranties (most private sales are).
• Signatures — with the seller's signature notarized when the bill of sale is serving as proof of ownership.

Spell out whether the trailer and any extras are included so there's no confusion later. Give the buyer the signed original and keep a copy for your records.

The DOBOR handoff, step by step

Seller's side

Once the sale is done, a Hawaii resident who sold a vessel should file a Notice of Transfer with DOBOR within 7 days. This tells the state you're no longer the owner — important, because it helps cut off your liability for a boat you don't control anymore. Hand over the properly signed-over title and the bill of sale.

Buyer's side

The new owner must complete the transfer with DOBOR within 20 calendar days of the sale, or a late fee kicks in. New purchases and transfers are done in person — on Oahu, at the Vessel Registration and Titling Office at 4 Sand Island Access Road, Honolulu (neighbor islands have district offices). Bring the signed title, the bill of sale, proof of ownership, and a valid photo ID.

These are recent DOBOR figures for planning only — fee schedules change, so confirm current amounts with DOBOR before you go.

Still owe money on the boat?

If there's a loan or lien against the vessel, you can't hand over a clean title until it's cleared. Usually the payoff comes out of the sale proceeds and the lender releases the lien — but that adds steps and timing that need to be coordinated so the buyer isn't taking on your debt. This is one of the most common places private sales stall, and it's worth mapping out before you accept an offer. Our guide to selling a boat with a loan in Hawaii walks through it.

Don't forget the trailer

DOBOR handles the boat, but not the trailer. Boat trailers are registered through the County DMV, so if a trailer is part of the sale, transfer it separately through the county — same as you would for any vehicle.

Hawaii Yacht Group is Oahu's boat & yacht brokerage, based in Honolulu. Questions about selling or transferring a boat? Email contact@hawaiiyachtgroup.com.