What is a Mississippi Vessel Bill of Sale?

A Mississippi vessel bill of sale supplies buyers and sellers with evidence of the transaction that occurred among them. While not considered a legal contract, the document has similar characteristics in that it binds each person to hold up their end of the bargain. In other words, the buyer must pay the seller the amount they discussed, and the merchant must hand over ownership of the boat. Notarization further authenticates the form and gives it greater power, particularly when law officials become involved.

How to Register a Boat in Mississippi (5 Steps)

Buyers must register their vessels within ten (10) days of the purchase or acquisition. Under all circumstances, owners must obtain a boat registration to use it. As of July 1, 1998, the state does not require residents to obtain a boat and/or motor title but gives them the option.

Individuals can apply for a Mississippi boat registration online or send the required paperwork to the MDFWP Headquarters in Jackson. When paying the fees online, the registrar must present a mobile payment, such as a credit or debit card. If sending by mail, they must use a check, cashier’s check, money order, or cash.

Interested parties can obtain a boat registration application form online, from a nearby tax collector’s office, at a boat servicing center or dealership, or from an MDWFP regional office or headquarters location.

Sellers must notify the MDWFP of the sale after transferring it to the new owner. This step protects both parties from legal claims and/or confusion. They can report the sale by calling (601) 432-2055 or online. The seller also has an obligation to give the buyer the registration before completing the sale.

Step 1 – Inspection

Homemade boats and vessels without serial numbers require inspection. The owner must complete a boat inspection application and send it by mail with a check or money order to the district office for $12.70. Once received, a Conservation Officer contacts the individual and provides them with a meeting time and location for the inspection.

After the officer inspects and passes the boat, they fill out a form and give it to the owner, who sends it to MDWFP headquarters by mail. If the person made the boat themselves, they must also provide a homebuilt boat statement in the envelope. This document allows the MDWFP to assign a serial or hull identification number (HIN).

A HIN is a twelve (12) digit number that represents the boat and makes it easily identifiable as no two (2) vessels have the same sequence. The first three (3) letters are the manufacturing identification (ID) code, while the next set of five (5) numbers is the hull’s serial number. Lastly, the following mix of four (4) letters and numbers is the date of certificate or manufacturer, or model year.

HIN Example: FJG96045C797

Step 2 – Registration

Owners must obtain a boat registration before applying for a title. They must provide the required documentation and payment to ensure proper processing. When completing the application, they must include the HIN. The boat must have a HIN before the registration appointment.

Certain situations call for specific forms. For insurance, if the individual purchases a new or used boat through a dealer, they must submit a copy of the sales invoice with the other documents. Owners who purchased the vessel from an out-of-state dealer must also provide proof of sales tax payment.

In- and out-of-state private sales require proof of the previous registration, the boat and/or motor titles (if formally titled in the seller’s name), and a witnessed or notarized bill of sale.

Step 3 – Title (Optional)

Step 4 – Attach Number / Decals

After submission, the MDWFP processes applications. Approved individuals receive a registration card and two (2) decals by mail.

The state provides this information if the boat has never had a registration number. It begins with MI and contains four (4) digits and two (2) alphabetical letters thereafter. Each section of numerals and letters must have a space or hyphen between them for easy viewing. The unique number stays with the boat for its lifespan, not the owner. In other words, upon selling, the buyer would keep the number rather than the seller.

Furthermore, the owner must attach the number and/or decal to their vessel as they risk fines by failing to do so. During each renewal period, they must remove the old decal sticker and replace it with a new one. Per state law, individuals must follow the procedures listed below when labeling.

• Paint or attach the registration number and decals to each side of the boat’s forward half (i.e., the bow);
• Use block lettering at least three (3) inches tall and place the number so that it reads left to right;
• Select a color that strongly contrasts the boat’s background (i.e., light on dark or dark on light);
• Adhere the decal within six (6) inches of the number using proper alignment; and
• Do not place any other information in this area as it obstructs others’ ability to see the number.

Step 5 – Renew