The Louisiana boat bill of sale form is a legal agreement to commemorate the purchase and exchange of a boat for a predetermined dollar value. This document lists the relevant specifics entailing the purchase, including the price, involved individuals, as well as the watercraft and corroborating signatures. The form can be a valuable source to furnish adequate evidence of ownership or to protect against any liability after the transaction has been carried out and the boat has changed hands. Securing this legal document is advisable for all boat owners and those wishing to sell.

How to Register a Boat

The legal operation of a motorized watercraft (or sailboat of 12 feet or larger) within the borders of the state of Louisiana will require the vessel to be registered and titled with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Exemption from registering will be permissible for watercraft registered in another state provided the vessel will not be on Louisiana waterways for longer than a 90 day period. Upon purchase of a boat, the state grants 15 days from the sale date to complete the title and registration process. To begin the procedure, gather the following materials to prepare for filing by mail:

• A filled and signed Louisiana Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application (Form 55).
• Documented Evidence of Ownership:
  • In the case the vessel was purchased from a dealership:
    • An Invoice from the dealer.
    • The Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
    • Receipt of completed tax payment or Louisiana Boat Registration Payment Certification (Form R-1331).
  • In the case that it was purchased used from a private party:
    • Notarized bill of sale.
    • The previous title signed over to the purchaser.
    • Previous certificate of registration.
  • If purchased in a private sale where the individual is not equipped with proper ownership documentation, you may need to provide an executed Louisiana Affidavit Court Order Recognizing Ownership of Boat.
• Should the vessel be made by yourself or does not display an appointed Hull Identification Number, you will be required to complete a Louisiana Affidavit for Boat Inspection (From Rev-2015).
• A proper form of compensation to cover all taxes and fees.

Once you prepared the necessary documents, place the paperwork in an envelope and mail it to:

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
P.O. Box 14796
Baton Rouge, LA 70898

Upon receiving the application, process time should be completed with 6-8 weeks. When your application is approved, you will receive registration and accompanying decals in the mail. Be sure to apply the stickers in a highly visible area on the vessel according to LDWF Regulations. It is advised that you keep the registration certification in a waterproof enclosure to be stored on the watercraft at all times of use.

 How to Complete the Form

Step 1 – Download the Adobe PDF file to fill in the required information.

Step 2 – Enter the name of the parish in which you reside in the first blank space.

Step 3 – Seller/Buyer Information – On the next two lines, complete the required information as follows:

• Seller Name
• Buyer Name

Step 4 – Vessel Information – Provide the following accurate data specific to the watercraft being sold:

• Registration Number
• Model Year
• Manufacturer/Make
• Boat Hull Identification Number
• Motor Serial number

Step 5 – Purchase Prices – State the individual purchase prices for the corresponding segments of the property to be sold:

• Boat
• Motor

Step 6 – Include the date of sale in the following format:

• Day
• Month
• Year

Step 7 – Under the supervision of a professional notary, you can then contribute signatures from both the seller and buyer on the lines provided.

Step 8 – Upon endorsement, the notary can finalize the document as required for the state of Louisiana.