Minnesota Boat Bill of Sale: What You Need

1. Agency

Watercraft registration and titling in Minnesota is handled by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In-person transactions are completed at a deputy registrar of motor vehicles office (the same office where you license your car) or at the DNR License Center in St. Paul.

Agency text: “Options are limited for in-person registrations so check the deputy registrar of motor vehicles listings (where you license your car). You can also visit the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul.”

Source: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/watercraft/index.html. Last checked: 2026-10-14.

2. Bill of sale rule / state form

Minnesota does not publish a named bill of sale form for watercraft. For a Minnesota registered non-titled boat, the buyer must submit a bill of sale from the seller listing the year, make, hull identification number (HIN), and the seller's printed name and signature, along with a completed Universal registration form. For a titled boat, the seller signs the front of the Minnesota Watercraft Title and the buyer completes and signs the back; the transfer fee is $17. If the boat comes from a non-titling state, a registration card and bill of sale are required.

Agency text: “Minnesota registered non-titled boat: Bill of sale from an owner listing the year, make, Hull ID Number (HIN) of the watercraft, sellers printed name and signature. Universal registration form completed and signed. Boats titled in Minnesota: Minnesota Watercraft Title sign by the seller on the front of the title. Buyer will complete and sign the back of the title. Transfer fee is $17.00.”

Source: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/watercraft/index.html. Last checked: 2026-10-14.

3. Notary / witness rule

The Minnesota DNR watercraft registration page does not list a notary requirement for a boat bill of sale. Check with a deputy registrar office if you have questions.

Source: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/watercraft/index.html. Last checked: 2026-10-14. The agency pages we read do not state a rule on this point.

4. HIN, title, and registration notes

Minnesota watercraft registrations are good for 3 calendar years. A registration (license) is not required for non-motorized watercraft 10 feet or less. For new boats over 16 feet, the dealer is responsible for applying for title and registration on the buyer's behalf. The HIN (serial or hull identification number) is required when registering a boat for the first time. If a title has a lien listed, a lien release identifying the hull ID number must be submitted before ownership can transfer.

Agency text: “If your new boat (except kayaks or canoes) is longer than 16', your dealer will apply for title and registration (license) on your behalf, and is responsible for providing you with license materials. When you register your boat for the first time, know its length, manufacturer, type of hull material (wood, metal, or plastic), type of propulsion, model, year, serial or hull identification number (HIN) and have a sales receipt that shows you have paid the sales tax. Boat registrations are good for 3 calendar years.”

Source: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/watercraft/index.html. Last checked: 2026-10-14.

5. Sales / use tax

When registering a boat for the first time in Minnesota, you must provide a sales receipt showing that sales tax has been paid. The DNR registration page confirms this requirement but does not publish the tax rate. Check with the Minnesota Department of Revenue (https://www.revenue.state.mn.us) for the current rate.

Agency text: “When you register your boat for the first time, know its length, manufacturer, type of hull material (wood, metal, or plastic), type of propulsion, model, year, serial or hull identification number (HIN) and have a sales receipt that shows you have paid the sales tax.”

Source: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/watercraft/index.html. Last checked: 2026-10-14.

6. Agency seller / buyer steps

Minnesota DNR watercraft registration procedures and fees page: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/watercraft/index.html — Find a deputy registrar of motor vehicles office: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/locations/Pages/default.aspx — Mail documents to: Minnesota DNR Box 26 - Watercraft, 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155-4026

Agency text: “Submit documents at your local deputy registrar office. Or submit the title and completed application by mail to: Minnesota DNR Box 26 - Watercraft, 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155-4026”

Source: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/watercraft/index.html. Last checked: 2026-10-14.