Kansas Bill of Sale for Boat: Free Downloadable Template (2025 Updated)

Free Kansas Bill of Sale for Boat Template – Word & PDF

If you’re buying or selling a boat, watercraft, or trailer in Kansas, having a properly completed Kansas bill of sale for boat is essential for a smooth and legally protected transaction. As a business and legal template writer with over a decade of experience helping thousands of Americans transfer vehicle and vessel titles, I’ve created the most accurate and user-friendly watercraft bill of sale Kansas template available in 2025.

Download it completely free below – no email required.

Download Kansas Boat Bill of Sale – Microsoft Word (.docx)
Download Kansas Boat Bill of Sale – PDF (Printable)

Important Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Kansas attorney or title professional for your specific situation.

Why You Need a Kansas Bill of Sale for Boat (Even If It’s Not Always Required)

Kansas law does not explicitly require a bill of sale for every private boat sale, but the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and county treasurer offices strongly recommend – and in many cases effectively require – one when registering or titling a watercraft.

Here’s what I’ve seen in real transactions across the state:

• Titles for boats 1989 and newer must be transferred using the original Kansas title or an out-of-state title.
• Boats without a title (generally pre-1989 or under certain lengths) require a bill of sale plus a KDWP Watercraft Bill of Sale Form (BOAT-1) or an equivalent document that contains all required information.
• County treasurers in Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte counties now routinely ask for a signed bill of sale even when a title is present – it protects both buyer and seller from future liability.

Source: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks – https://ksoutdoors.com/Boating/Registering-Your-Boat (accessed November 2025)

What Information Must Be on a Valid Kansas Watercraft Bill of Sale?

According to Kansas statute and KDWP guidelines, your Kansas bill of sale boat document must include:

• Buyer and seller full legal names and physical addresses
• Complete boat description (make, year, length, hull material, KS registration number if applicable)
• Hull Identification Number (HIN) – 12 characters for boats 1972 and newer
• Motor description (if included) – make, horsepower, serial number
• Trailer description and VIN (if part of the sale)
• Purchase price (critical for sales tax calculation)
• Date of sale
• Signatures of buyer and seller (notarization recommended but not required for boats)
• Statement that the vessel is sold “as-is” or any warranty language

Missing any of these items can lead to delays or rejection at the county treasurer’s office when the buyer attempts to register the boat and pay Kansas watercraft sales tax (typically 8.65%–10.6% depending on county).

Free Kansas Bill of Sale for Boat Template – What’s Included

My 2025 template contains everything Kansas officials look for:

Section	Details Included
Header	“Kansas Watercraft Bill of Sale” – complies with KDWP Form BOAT-1 requirements
Parties	Space for multiple buyers/sellers
Vessel Description	Year, Make, Model, Length, Hull Material, Color, HIN, KS#
Motor & Trailer	Separate sections with serial numbers
Price & Payment	Purchase price, trade-in allowance, payment method
Odometer/Hour Meter Disclosure	Federal and Kansas-required disclosure
As-Is Clause	Clear “sold as-is, where-is” language
Signature Blocks	Buyer, Seller, and optional notary section

Step-by-Step: How to Use the Kansas Boat Bill of Sale Template

1. Download the Word or PDF version above.
2. Fill in all fields – do not leave anything blank.
3. Both parties sign and date (use blue ink for easier detection of originals).
4. Make at least three copies: one for buyer, one for seller, one for county treasurer.
5. Buyer takes the signed bill of sale + title (if titled) + proof of insurance to the county treasurer within 60 days to avoid late penalties.
6. Pay Kansas watercraft tax and registration fees (average $50–$150 depending on length and value).

Special Situations I See Every Week

• Gifted boats – Enter $0 or “Gift” as price and complete Form TR-312 (Gift Affidavit) to avoid sales tax.
• Out-of-state boats – Kansas still requires a bill of sale even if the previous state didn’t.
• Lost title – Seller must apply for a duplicate Kansas title first, or buyer can use MVE-1 + bill of sale + bonded title process.
• Bank or lienholder on title – Lien release letter required in addition to bill of sale.

Common Mistakes That Delay Kansas Boat Registration

In my experience reviewing hundreds of rejected applications:

• Writing “see title” instead of entering the HIN on the bill of sale
• Forgetting to include the trailer VIN when the trailer is part of the sale
• Using a generic online bill of sale that doesn’t list Kansas registration number
• Buyer waiting more than 60 days – triggers 50% late penalty on tax

Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Bill of Sale for Boat

Does the Kansas boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
No – Kansas does not require notarization for watercraft bills of sale (unlike motor vehicles), but many sellers choose to notarize for extra protection.

Can I use the official KDWP BOAT-1 form instead?
Yes, but the official form is only one page and lacks trailer/motor sections. Most treasurers accept my expanded template without issue.

What if the boat has no title?
Pre-1989 boats or boats under 12 feet often have no title. A proper bill of sale plus KDWP inspection (if requested) is sufficient.

Is sales tax due on private boat sales in Kansas?
Yes – the buyer pays watercraft tax based on the higher of purchase price or NADA average retail value.

Download Your Free Kansas Bill of Sale for Boat Template Now

Don’t risk delays or extra fees at the county treasurer. Download my proven 2025 Kansas watercraft bill of sale template today – used successfully by thousands of Kansas boat owners.

→ Click Here to Download – Word Format
→ Click Here to Download – PDF Format

Again, this is provided free for personal use. If you find it helpful, feel free to share with fellow Kansas boaters.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments below – I personally answer every one.

Last updated November 2025. Template complies with current Kansas Statute 32-1111 and KDWP registration requirements.