Updated September 14, 2023
A Wisconsin boat bill of sale is a legal document that demonstrates the transfer of ownership of a vessel in the State of Wisconsin. The bill of sale will provide identifying information about the buyer and the seller, a description of the boat changing hands, and the terms of the transaction. This form may be needed for registration and may be useful for tax purposes.
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Registering a Boat
Motorized vessels operating on Wisconsin waters must be registered. (Out-of-state visitors bringing in vessels that are properly registered in another state may boat in Wisconsin for up to 60 consecutive days without registration.) If the vessel is longer than 16 feet, titling is a prerequisite to registration. State law requires that buyers register the boat with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources within 10 days of purchase. Once registered, boat registrations may be renewed online, through a sales agent, or by mail to the address included on the Wisconsin residents when a vessel’s registration renewal is pending.
Where to Register
Registration may be done online, in person at any of a local Department of Natural Resource Offices or submitted by mail to the address located on the registration application.
Required Documents
- A completed a Boat Registration and Titling Application (Form 9400-193). Buyers may use a photocopy of the completed form as a temporary proof of registration until the official registration card arrives in the mail
- A Boat Bill of Sale
- The original certificate of title signed over by the seller
- If the boat was subject to a lien, a lien release from the seller
- Payment of all sales taxes and registration fees in accordance with the fee schedule located on page 2 of Form 9400-193