If you’re buying a boat, selling a boat, inheriting a boat, or disposing of a boat in NSW, it’s important to know how to transfer its registration. Ensuring a smooth transfer of vessel registration is essential when changing ownership. Both the buyer and seller share the responsibility of completing the registration transfer process.
Failure to properly transfer the registration can result in penalties. To avoid these penalties, follow the steps below for a successful transfer.
How to Transfer Vessel Registration when buying a boat?
When you buy a boat, it is your responsibility to ensure that the registration is transferred into your name. However, please note that if you’re buying a second-hand boat, you must first verify if the vessel is registered. If you’re uncertain about the vessel’s registration status, contact 13 77 88 for assistance. Operating an unregistered vessel can result in penalties. If the vessel is not registered, refer to the How to register a vessel guide.
We also advise checking the Personal Property Securities Register to ensure there are no outstanding debts or loans associated with the vessel.
When buy a boat that is registered:
- Make sure you have the registration certificate (a photocopy or scan copy is not acceptable).
- Ensure that the seller has completed and signed the Registered Owner section of the registration certificate.
Within 14 days of obtaining a your new boat, you must:
- Complete and sign the Transfer of Vessel Registration section located on the back of the registration certificate.
- If there is no registration certificate available, fill out an Application for Transfer of Vessel Registration and provide proof of vessel acquisition or a Statutory Declaration (PDF 188.2KB).
- If the registration certificate does not include a Hull Identification Number (HIN) or Boatcode, include the HIN/Boatcode certificate that assigns a unique number to your vessel (unless exempt from this requirement).
- Provide proof of identity.
- Pay a fee to transfer the registration, or if the registration has expired, you must pay a registration renewal fee.
- Submit your registration transfer application in person at a service centre or by mail to:
Agency Business Centre
Transport for NSW
PO Box 21
Parkes NSW 2870
How to transfer Vessel Registration when selling your boat?
You have the responsibility for a registered vessel until the registration transfer is complete, which includes any fines or other issues related to the vessel. To transfer the registration, follow these steps:
- Obtain the registration certificate for the vessel.
- Complete and sign the Registered Owner section on the vessel’s registration certificate, and provide it to the buyer.
- Keep copies of all sale documents such as bills of sale, receipts, and consignment notes (PDF 830.57KB). Ask the buyer to show proof of identity. These documents might be useful if the buyer fails to register the vessel, as you will remain on the vessel’s record until it is registered by the buyer.
- Fill out the Notice of Disposal section on the registration certificate and send it back to NSW Government within 14 days of the sale. There is no charge for this service. Submitting a Notice of Disposal helps you avoid unnecessary fines. You can submit it online, in person at a service centre, or by mailing it to the following address:
Agency Business Centre
Transport for NSW (Maritime)
PO Box 21
Parkes NSW 2870
Remember, you are responsible for any fines, costs, and compliance notices until the new owner transfers the registration into their name. Lodging a Notice of Disposal can assist in identifying the new owner.
Transferring Vessel Registration after death
Please refer to Transfer a vessel registration due to the death of the registered operator guide for more information.
MORE ARTICLES
