Transfer vessel registration

Your responsibilities

Are you buying, selling, or giving away a registered boat or other vessel in NSW? If so, you need to make sure the vessel registration is transferred to the new owner.

Both buyer and seller are responsible for the registration transfer.  

There are penalties for failing to transfer registration when you transfer a vessel.

Check before buying a second-hand vessel

• Check if the vessel is registered. If you’re unsure a vessel is registered, call 13 77 88. There are penalties for operating an unregistered vessel.  If the vessel is unregistered, see How to register a vessel.
• We recommend you check the Personal Property Securities Register to see there’s no money owing on the vessel.

Selling or giving away a registered vessel

You’re responsible for a registered vessel until the registration transfer is complete. This includes any fines or other issues with the vessel.

Follow these steps to transfer registration.

1. Get the vessel's registration certificate.
2. Complete and sign the Registered Owner section of the vessel's registration certificate and give it to the buyer.
3. Retain copies of all sale documents (bills of sale, receipts, consignment note (PDF 830.57KB)) and get the buyer to show you proof of identity. This may be useful if the buyer doesn’t register the vessel. As a seller, you won't be removed from the vessel's record until the buyer registers it.
4. Complete the Notice of Disposal section of the registration certificate and return it to us within 14 days of the sale. There's no charge for this. Lodging a Notice of Disposal helps you avoid unnecessary fines. You can submit a Notice of Disposal online, in person at a service centre or by posting it to:
   Agency Business Centre
   Transport for NSW (Maritime)
   PO Box 21
   Parkes NSW 2870

Transferring after death

See Transfer a vessel registration due to the death of the registered operator.

Getting or buying a vessel

When you buy or receive a registered vessel, you’re responsible for making sure the registration is transferred into your name.

If the vessel is unregistered, see How to register a vessel.

At the time of purchasing a registered vessel:

• make sure you got the registration certificate (a photocopy or scan copy is not acceptable)
• make sure the seller completed and signed the Registered Owner section of the registration certificate.

Within 14 days of getting a registered vessel you must:

• complete and sign the Transfer of Vessel Registration section (on the back of the registration certificate)
• if there’s no registration certificate, complete an Application for Transfer of Vessel Registration and provide proof of vessel acquisition or a Statutory Declaration (PDF 188.2KB)
• if there’s no HIN and Boatcode recorded on the registration certificate, include the Hull Identification Number (HIN)/Boatcode certificate that gives your vessel a unique number (unless exempt from this requirement)
• provide proof of identity
• pay a fee to transfer registration or pay a registration renewal fee if registration has expired
• submit your application to transfer registration in person at a service centre.