Boat & Vessel Documentation Notary
Gig Harbor is a boating community, and boat transactions need a notary who understands maritime documents. We come to your marina, the yacht broker's office, or anywhere on the waterfront for vessel documentation, title transfers, and bills of sale.
Your Dock-Side Notary
Gig Harbor has been a maritime community since the 1800s. From the historic working waterfront to the modern marina district, boats are part of daily life here. When you buy, sell, or document a vessel, you need notarized signatures on federal and state forms — and you need a notary who will come to you.
The U.S. Coast Guard requires federally documented vessels (generally 26 feet and over used in navigable waters) to have notarized bills of sale for ownership transfers. State-registered boats also require notarized title documents. Whether you are closing on a sailboat at the Gig Harbor marina, transferring a fishing vessel in Tacoma, or documenting a yacht purchase through a Puget Sound broker, we handle the notarization on your schedule and at your location.
We understand the difference between USCG documentation and state registration, and we know what forms require notarization. No more driving across town to find a notary — we meet you at the dock, the broker's office, the boat show, or wherever the deal is happening.
Documents We Notarize
USCG Bills of Sale
Federal bill of sale forms required for transfer of documented vessels. Must be notarized and submitted to the National Vessel Documentation Center.
Vessel Title Transfers
Washington state title transfer documents for state-registered boats. Notarized signatures required from both buyer and seller.
Satisfaction of Marine Mortgage
Release documents when a marine loan is paid off. The lender's signature must be notarized to clear the lien from the vessel's documentation.
Marine Survey Affidavits
Sworn statements related to vessel condition, insurance claims, and pre-purchase inspections that require notarization.
Where We Meet You
The historic harbor, Arabella's Landing, and marinas throughout the Gig Harbor waterfront district.
We work with yacht brokers and marine dealers throughout Pierce and Kitsap counties for seamless closings.
On-site notary services at marine events, boat shows, and swap meets in the Puget Sound area.
If the paperwork happens at home, we come to you. Convenient for remote buyers and sellers.
Buyer and seller meeting at a neutral location? We join you at any waterfront spot in Gig Harbor or Tacoma.
Anywhere along the Puget Sound — from Bremerton to Tacoma and everywhere in between.
Boat Documentation FAQ
Do I need USCG documentation or state registration?
Vessels of 5 net tons or more (generally 26+ feet) used in navigable waters of the U.S. are eligible for federal documentation through the USCG. Documentation is required for commercial vessels and optional for recreational vessels. State registration through the WA Department of Licensing is the alternative for smaller or recreational-only vessels. We can notarize documents for either process.
What about boats under 26 feet?
Smaller boats are typically state-registered rather than federally documented. Title transfers for state-registered vessels still require notarized signatures. The process is similar to a vehicle title transfer — we verify identity, witness signatures, and notarize the transfer documents.
Can you notarize at a marina or on a dock?
Absolutely. We regularly meet clients at marinas, docks, and waterfront locations throughout Gig Harbor and the Puget Sound area. We bring everything we need — just have your documents and valid photo ID ready.
What if the buyer and seller are in different locations?
We can notarize each party's signatures separately at different locations and times. This is common in boat transactions where the buyer and seller may be in different cities. Each signing is a separate appointment.
What about out-of-state vessel purchases?
If you are buying a vessel from an out-of-state seller, the seller's documents may need to be notarized in their state. We can notarize the buyer's documents here in Washington. For USCG-documented vessels, the notarization requirements are federal, so any state's notary can handle them.