Illinois Boat Bill of Sale
A boat bill of sale records important information related to the transaction such as purchase price, the boat identification, the parties involved, the date of the transaction, etc. The document should be signed by the buyer and seller and is required when the buyer wants to register their new vessel at the Illinois department of natural resources.
Illinois requires all mechanically powered (motor-powered) vessels irrespective of make, size, or model to be registered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This notably excludes sail-powered boats.
When it’s a vessel that’s been purchased or ownership changed, it must be registered within 15 days of the transaction date. For those who are transferring their boat from another state, it must be registered within sixty days.
Illinois is unique among states because boat registration is valid for a period of three years instead of the regular one year in other states. When it’s time to renew the boat registration, it may be done online via https://www.exploremoreil.com/, in person, or over the phone.
A duly completed bill of sale for boats
The Watercraft Registration and title application form (Form IL 422-0321)
A certificate of title that was signed by the previous owner or current registration (this only applies to used boats
For new boats, they should have the manufacturer’s certification of origin
A driver’s license that’s valid in Illinois or a type of identity card
The fees associated with the registration process