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 a registered vessel is sold or otherwise transferred to another person:

• The “buyer” must apply for the Certificate of Number to be transferred to his or her name within 10 days from the date of purchase.
• The “seller” is required to report such a transaction to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks.