Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Buying and Selling a Vessel

The procedure for transferring ownership of a vessel is outlined here. The steps are essentially the same whether the “seller” is a marine dealer or the “buyer” is an individual purchasing a pre-owned vessel from an individual “seller.”

If an Oregon-registered vessel is sold or otherwise transferred to another person, the “buyer” must apply to the Oregon State Marine Board or an authorized agent for a title within 30 days from the date of purchase. Submit the original Oregon Title that has been released by all owners listed and has the Application by New Owner(s) section completed. (There is a $25 late fee charged after 30 days.)

A vessel new to Oregon requires a completed application for Boat Title and:

• The title if the vessel was titled in another state or …
• The bill of sale and previous owner’s Certificate of Number if purchased from a non-title state or …
• The manufacturer’s statement of origin for a new vessel.