Updated April 05, 2023
A Kentucky boat bill of sale records the terms and conditions of a boat/vessel transaction between two (2) or more parties, usually a private seller and buyer. The sale document specifies everything from the vessel’s condition and basic identifiers to the agreed-upon purchase price. Upon registering the vessel under their name, the new owner will be required to present a bill of sale to the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (DFW) in order to prove legal ownership.
Signing Requirements – The buyer(s) and seller(s) must sign the document. Notarization is optional but recommended.
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Registering a Boat
All mechanically-powered vessels used primarily in the State of Kentucky must be registered with the Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (DFW). New owners must register their recently-acquired vessel within fifteen (15) days of purchase; vessels transferred from another state must be registered within sixty (60) days of establishing residency.
Registrations are valid for one year, unanimously expiring on April 30 regardless of the original registration date. Renewals may be processed in-person at local county clerk offices or via mail to the address printed on the renewal notice.
Where to Register
Owners must initially register their vessel in person at a nearby County Clerk’s Office.
Required Documents
- Bill of Sale;
- Completed Motor Boat Transaction Record Application for Title/Registration (Form TC 96-184);
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (only for brand-new boats);
- Signed Certificate of Title (if lost or damaged, see Replacement/Duplicate Kentucky Titles)
- Photo or Pencil Tracing of Hull Identification Number (for vessels manufactured after 1972);
- Valid Kentucky Driver’s License or Proof of Identity; and
- Registration Fees (rates vary depending on the vessel’s classification).