Transfer an unregistered boat

When you buy a boat with expired SA registration, you must re-register the boat in your name.

Fees

The State Government is providing a 50% discount on registration for all recreational boats and light boat trailers registered between 1 December 2025 to 1 December 2026.

You'll need to pay:

• a $22 transfer fee
• renewal registration fee.

Reasons you can't apply online

• the boat is from interstate
• the boat has never been registered before
• a Hull identification Number (HIN) check is required.

Other ways to apply

You must:

• hold an SA driver's licence or client number
• be transferring a boat previously registered in SA.

1. Download the form or get it from a Service SA centre

Application for new owner re-registration (PDF 244.0 KB)

2. Submit the form

In person

Take the completed form to a Service SA centre with:

• registration fee and facilities levy for the period required
• proof of ownership.

These items are accepted as proof of ownership when registering a boat.

• A completed application for transfer of registration on the South Australian certificate of registration, signed by the current and the new registered owner.
• A bill of sale, receipt, or purchase contract signed by and showing the names of the current and new owners and including a description of the boat and its registration number (if applicable).
• An interstate Australian register of ships certificate of recreational registration, in the name of the proposed new owner.
• A certificate of commercial vessel registration in any Australian State, in the name of the proposed new registered owner.
• A statutory declaration of ownership of the boat signed and witnessed by a Justice of Peace (only acceptable if none of the other proof of ownership documents is available).

A third party may submit the form on your behalf but must produce evidence of Power of Attorney or a SACAT Administration Order.

By post

Post the completed application with the correct fee (cheque or money order) to:

Service SA
GPO Box 1533
Adelaide SA 5001

HIN check

If the previously SA registered boat does not have an existing Hull Identification Number (HIN) recorded on Service SA's system, you'll need a HIN check.