The seller's document pack: VAT, registration, CE, service history

A complete pack of papers sells a boat faster and protects the price. Gather proof of title, VAT, registration, CE and service records before you list.

Updated 24 Oct 2026 2 min read

Key points

The pack proves ownership, VAT status, registration and conformity.
Missing papers cost more to fix after an offer than before the listing.
Service records support the price and the hours.

What goes in the pack

Proof of ownership. The registration certificate and the chain of bills of sale. See Checking ownership.
VAT status. The first EU invoice, the customs import document or a T2L. See Proving and verifying VAT status: which documents count, and checking before you offer.
CE declaration of conformity, and a photo of the builder's plate with the design category. See CE marking and the Recreational Craft Directive: design categories A to D.
Finance details. If a loan exists, the lender's name and a statement of the amount. See Closing, paying off finance and de-registration.
Service history. Engine, generator, haul-out and antifouling invoices, rig and sail records. See Service history: what a seller should provide.
Survey reports, including any recent one. See Pre-listing survey and mechanical audit.
Manuals and warranty papers.
Inventory: a list of everything included, item by item.
Radio licence, MMSI and beacon registration.
Berth contract and a statement that the account is paid.
Your ID and tax number, and, for a company, the authority to sell. See Checking ownership.

Fix gaps early

Lost VAT paper: ask the builder, the dealer or customs for copies.
Missing bill of sale in the chain: ask the previous owner or the register.
No CE paper: ask the builder. An older boat may not need one. See CE marking and the Recreational Craft Directive: design categories A to D.
No service papers: ask the yards and the engine dealer for copies.

Digital copies

Scan everything and name the files clearly. Send the pack to serious buyers after they show proof of funds, so you control who sees your details. See Proof of funds and anti-money-laundering checks: what to expect.

Keep originals safe

The originals go to the buyer at closing. Keep them in one folder until then. See Closing and handover: bill of sale, payment, documents, keys.

Why it matters for price

A boat with a clean pack has fewer risks, and buyers pay for that. A boat with gaps invites questions, delays and price cuts. See 10 red flags in a used yacht listing for what a buyer treats as a warning sign.

Also useful at step 3 Proving and verifying VAT status: which documents count, and checking before you offer

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; check your own case with a professional or ask us.