Steps to transfer a registered boat or jet ski (vessel)
If you’re buying, selling or transferring a powered boat or jet ski (vessel), there’s some paperwork you’ll need to take care of. This includes powered personal watercrafts (PWCs) such as jet skis, aqua scooters, wave runners or motorised surfboards.
To register a powered boat or vessel in your name, you need to be at least 14 years old. There’s no registration check service available to verify vessel details or registration status in Australia.
The steps you need to follow:
- Buyer and seller should check each other’s photo ID.
- Confirm the seller is the registered operator of the vessel. The seller should bring a copy of the vessel’s certificate of registration or renewal or show that it’s recorded in their myVicRoads account.
- Complete the sale and write a receipt so you both have proof of purchase. Include:
- date and time of sale
- the seller’s name, address and signature
- the buyer’s name, address and signature
- the vessel’s details including HIN (if available), engine numbers, make and model.
- Complete and sign the Vessel transfer form (PDF) together. Make sure that all the details on the transfer form are complete and correct, otherwise the transfer may not be processed when you lodge it.
- Take a photo or photocopy of the completed transfer form, so you both have proof of transfer and new ownership.
- Take the completed paperwork to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre within 14 days. The buyer needs to lodge the transfer and pay the transfer fee. If you’re buying a vessel from a dealer, the dealer is responsible for sending all paperwork to VicRoads.
You’ll need to complete the transfer paperwork for a trailer separately. See Buying a vehicle or Selling a vehicle for the process.
Once you’ve completed the paperwork, you can lodge the transfer for both the vessel and trailer at the same time at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
To transfer a vessel registration to your name, you need a VicRoads customer number or Victorian driver or marine licence number.
You can find your VicRoads customer number by logging in to myVicRoads and looking under Profile & Settings. For companies, the VicRoads customer number is on any registration renewal notice for vehicles or vessels registered in the company’s name.
Want to keep the vessel registered in Victoria and don’t have a VicRoads customer number or Victorian licence? Visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre with evidence of identity documents to get a new customer number.
Buying or selling unregistered vessels
If you’re buying or selling an unregistered boat or vessel in Victoria, you don’t need to notify us.
For an unregistered vessel, the buyer and seller should:
- check each other’s photo identification and confirm the seller is the owner and has the right to sell
- write a receipt that includes:
- date and time of sale
- the seller’s name, address and signature
- the buyer’s name, address and signature
- the vessel’s details including HIN (if available), engine numbers, make and model.
- each keep a copy of the receipt as proof of transfer and new ownership.
Make sure you register the vessel before you use it.
Vessels that don’t require registration
Registration is not required for:
- a vessel that is not a powerboat (for example, it does not have an engine that can be used for propulsion)
- kayaks and canoes powered by an electric motor of no more than 40 pounds per thrust (1 horsepower or 750 watts). These can’t be operated at more than 5 knots.
To qualify for this exemption, vessels must meet the following design criteria:
- Tapered design: The vessel must be tapered at both ends, ensuring a streamlined shape.
- No transom: The vessel cannot have a fixed or removable transom, distinguishing it from other small powered craft.
Examples of what is considered a kayak can be found on the Safe Transport Victoria website.