Nebraska Boat Bill of Sale Form
A Nebraska boat bill of sale form assists two (2) individuals in recording a watercraft trade deal. Like a title that officially hands over ownership, a vessel bill of sale serves the same purpose while verifying the purchase. It confirms the boat’s condition upon the transfer and outlines the buyer’s and seller’s personal information. Any person signing should keep a copy of the form for authentication purposes. The bill of sale allows them to validate the payment, the transfer of goods, and the ownership reassignment whenever necessary.
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What is a Nebraska Vessel Bill of Sale?
A Nebraska vessel bill of sale is a statement of data during a boat transfer. Each person involved provides information that allows the appropriate parties to contact them as needed. By entering these details and signing, the buyer and seller signify their agreement to the conditions. The terms include making the correct payment and handing over keys during the exchange. If either individual does not meet these standards, the other can bring the case to their local court for further inspection. The signed document becomes legal evidence in this situation.
Did You Know?Nebraska law requires anyone born after December 31, 1985, to have a boating safety class certificate to operate a vessel. This requirement includes non-residents, who must also pass a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)-approved course to use a boat within state borders. No one under fourteen (14) years old can operate watercraft in Nebraska waterways. Individuals have three (3) options to complete the course: 1) six (6) hour classroom course and proctored exam, 2) self-learning home education course (using study materials) and proctored exam, and 3) online course and test. The student must achieve 75% or higher on the exam to pass. If they meet this requirement, they will receive a certificate of completion, which they must have on the boat when operating it. |
How to Register a Boat in Nebraska (6 Steps)
In Nebraska, boat owners must obtain their title and registration from their nearest county treasurer’s office. The title process must happen before registration.
The vessel owner and/or seller is responsible for notifying the Games & Parks Commission of address changes, transfers, or abandonments within fifteen (15) days of the event.
Step 1 – Requirements
Motorized and propelled boats used on public and private waterways need titling and registration. This law includes vessels in the Missouri River and Lewis and Clark Lake. Under all circumstances, the watercraft must have a twelve (12) digit hull identification number (HIN). The owner must apply for an Assigned ID Number if it does not have this identification.
Boats registered in another state but used in Nebraska for less than sixty (60) back-to-back days do not need an in-state registration. Furthermore, vessels owned by the government, political sectors, and U.S. Coast Guard do not need these documents. Drivers using racing boats in authorized competitions and trials can use the vessel for forty-eight (48) hours before and after the race without registration.
Step 2 – Title
Titling must happen before registration. All boats made after November 1, 1972, need a title as it proves ownership. County treasurers issue this type of documentation.
Boats manufactured before November 1, 1972, and vessels owned by the U.S. government, agency, political sector, or the State of Nebraska do not need a title.
To apply for a title, residents need a completed and signed Application for Certificate of Title (Form RV-707), evidence of ownership (i.e., Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) or Certificate of Title), and payment of $10.
Non-residents must bring proof of ownership, including an MSO, certificate of title, or the last registration and bill of sale if it comes from a non-title state. They also need an Application for Certificate of Title (Form RV-707) and $10 for fees.
Step 3 – Registration
Individuals applying for registration must have a title and a completed Application for Boat Number & Certificate. The fees depend on the length and type, although each registrar must satisfy the $4 processing fee added to the total.
Incoming residents registering in Nebraska for the first time qualify for a price reduction. Accordingly, the state decreases the amount by 1/36 for each month since the beginning of the registration period.
Step 4 – Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp
During registration and subsequent renewals, residents must pay $5 for the aquatic invasive species (AIS) stamp, which helps to fund programs that reduce the presence of unwanted organisms.
Non-residents can purchase their AIS stamp online or at qualifying parks and recreation areas for $15. The stamp lasts for one (1) year from the issuance date.
Step 5 – Applying Number + Decals
Nebraska registration numbers start with NB with four (4) digits and two (2) letters. Owners can have their registration numbers made into a decal, although they can also permanently attach it using paint or other similar means. Each section of letters and numbers must have two (2) inches of space between them.
The registration number must appear on the boat’s left (port) and right (starboard) sides, reading left to right. In a block-style font, the letters must be no less than three (3) inches tall. Its color must stand out from the background so that others can see it from at least one hundred (100) feet away.
The associated decal belongs before the number on both sides. Owners must remove the old sticker and replace it with the new one during each renewal period.
Step 6 – Renew
Boat registrations last three (3) years and expire on December 31st. Individuals may not operate a vessel that does not have a registration. The documentation must be on board with the driver while it is in use. Law enforcement can penalize anyone who does not have this information on board.
Renewals can occur with the resident’s county treasurer or online through the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. If the owner loses or destroys their registration during its active period, they must pay $9 for a duplicate and submit the required forms.
| Mailing Address: |
| Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2200 North 33rd Street PO Box 30370 Lincoln, NE 68503-0370 |