What is a Missouri Vessel Bill of Sale?

A Missouri vessel bill of sale declares the previous owner as the “seller” and the new owner as the “buyer.” It accompanies the title, which officially transfers ownership. The bill of sale is a supplementary form that includes additional information about the transaction. Furthermore, the Missouri DOR provides residents with an official document, also known as “Form 1957.” Individuals must use this specific form during vessel sales, which later allows them to prove the change in ownership.

How to Register a Boat in Missouri (4 Steps)

Missouri law requires individuals to have a title and registration for their vessel, outboard motor, and trailer (§§ 306.530 to 306.575). The outboard motor must have a “Year Manufactured” label if they purchase it on or after July 1 unless the manufacturer’s statement of origin (MSO) states the model and year. Additional instructions are on page two of the application (Form 93).

Without documentation, the owner can receive fines and penalties if law enforcement pulls them over while operating the boat. Paying close attention to regulations prevents misdemeanors and other legal charges. Furthermore, established and incoming residents must register and title their boat within sixty (60) days of purchasing. If they miss the deadline, they must pay the associated late fees.

Residents can obtain a temporary permit that allows them to operate their boat for up to sixty (60) days while they wait for their title and registration to arrive by mail. To apply, they must provide one of the following documents: 1) certificate of title, 2) manufacturer’s statement of origin, 3) bill of sale (Form 1957), 4) notice of sale (Form 5049), 5) application (Form 93), 6) abstract of title (CG-1332), or 7) documented vessel certificate of registration (Form 4086). In addition, they must complete and submit a special permit application (Form 1275). The owner must pay $19 – $11 for the watercraft and $8 for the outboard motor.

Step 1 – Exemptions

In Missouri, boats propelled by motors must have a title and registration. However, the state exempts certain watercrafts from this requirement. The following do not need documentation:

• Out-of-state or out-of-country vessels operated in Missouri waterways for less than sixty (60) consecutive days;
• Government-owned ships;
• Boats manually propelled by oars or paddles (i.e., canoes, kayaks, etc.);
• Sailboats (or sailboards) with a length of twelve (12) feet or less; or
• Lifeboats on board ships for water rescue purposes.

Step 2 – Title + Registration

First-time applicants must make an appointment to register and title their boats at a Missouri license office. In addition to the general forms, the vessel owner must provide a notarized lien release (Form 4809) if they recently paid off their loan.

Registrars must also pay the associated title and registration charges, which include a state sales tax (4.225%), local sales tax, title fee ($7.50), decal fee, outboard motor title fee ($5), outboard motor registration fee ($2), and processing fees. The state provides an online sales tax estimator for residents to calculate the payment beforehand.

Residents and non-residents who fail to title and register the boat within sixty (60) days of purchasing or moving to the state must pay additional fines. A penalty of $10 accrues on the 61st day with increases every thirty (30) days after that; however, the state can only charge a maximum of $30 for late fees.

Step 3 – Certificate Number + Decal

A Missouri certificate of number identifies the boat like a license plate on a motor vehicle. No two (2) vessels have the same number and letter sequence, thus allowing law enforcement or state offices to pinpoint it. The registration number always begins with MO and has four (4) digits and two (2) letters following it (i.e., MO-5485-FI). It remains with the vessel for its lifetime unless it changes states.

Owners must attach the number to their boat so others can locate it near or far. It belongs on the starboard and port side of the vessel’s bow. The numbers must appear in a clear, clean fashion that strongly contrasts the boat’s paint. For example, dark letters should go on light-colored backgrounds, and light letters should go on dark paint. It should read left to right in three (3) inch or taller block font with uniform spacing of two (2) inches between each character. If desired, the owner can place a hyphen between each set of numbers and letters.

The state also provides owners with decals, which function similarly to tabs on a motor vehicle’s license plate. It goes below the certificate of number and lasts three (3) years. Once it expires or sells, the operator must remove the sticker so they or the new owner can replace it.

Following registration, the vessel owner receives outboard motor decals, which stay with them until they sell the boat or transfer states. They must attach it to the solid part of the motor’s metal housing. The owner must also have their pocket card when using the boat, which the state sends with the title. This document contains the certificate number and requires a new copy during each registration renewal.

Step 4 – Renew Every Three (3) Years