What is a Nevada Vessel Bill of Sale?

A Nevada vessel bill of sale captures the details of a watercraft purchase. It organizes the information in a manner that is easy to read and understand. Since Nevada does not provide an official boat bill of sale form, residents can download it or create their own.

Regardless, the document must list the full names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers of the buyer(s) and the seller(s). It must also provide the vessel’s sale price, the purchase date, and the signatures of both parties. The requirements are necessary to 1) confirm the identity of everyone involved and 2) verify they transferred ownership of the boat.

How to Register a Boat in Nevada (5 Steps)

Vessels used in the state require registration and title. Owners must visit or contact their local Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) office to schedule an appointment. Registration must occur within sixty (60) days of purchasing or bringing the boat into the state.

Step 1 – Exemptions

The following watercraft do not need a boat registration:

• Non-motorized sailboats;
• Canoes;
• Kayaks; and
• Other non-motorized vessels.

Step 2 – Title + Registration

Residents title and register their boats during the same appointment. The required documents depend on whether the vessel 1) is new or used and 2) was purchased in Nevada or another state. Individuals should ensure they have the necessary paperwork and payment ready.

New or Untitled

Owners of new or untitled boats must provide the documents listed below during title and registration.

• Proof of Ownership (Bill of Sale)
• Proof of Paid Sales Tax (not required for private party sales)
• Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO)*
• Previous Registration**
• Social Security Number
• Payment (i.e., check, cash, or credit card only)

*NDOW Inspection is required if the registrar cannot provide MSO, it comes from a non-title state, or the hull identification number (HIN) is written by hand.

**The registrar must submit a certified copy of the state record if coming from a non-title state.

Out-of-State

New residents bringing their boat into Nevada from another state must submit all required documents when applying for a title and registration.

• Certificate of Ownership (Title)*
• Proof of Paid Sales Tax (not mandatory for private transactions)
• Social Security Number
• Payment (cash, check, or credit card only)

*May or may not need an inspection.

Previously Titled in Nevada

This type of transaction can occur through the mail; however, the NDOW cannot process titles online. Therefore, the registrar needs to make an appointment with the office or contact them for more information. During this time, they must have the following paperwork ready for submission.

• Nevada Certificate of Ownership (Title)
• Proof of Paid Sales Tax
• Social Security Number
• Payment (cash, check, or credit card only)

Step 3 – Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Sticker

The NDOW requires boaters to purchase an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) sticker before operating the vessel in the state’s waterways. This program helps to preserve aquatic life and protects owners from costly damage to their boats. The decal fees fund the service, which also handles regulations, inspections, stations, monitoring, coordination, and public education.

Residents can purchase the sticker during their annual boat registration and renewal. If the boat does not require registration or has out-of-state tags, the owner must buy the decal before using it in the water systems. This requirement includes both motorized and non-motorized boats.

Step 4 – Apply Number + Decal