BOAT 178 Form – The BOAT 178 form is the official California DMV document used to certify a lien sale of a vessel (or vessel with trailer) valued over $1,500. Lienholders rely on this form to legally transfer ownership after a properly conducted lien sale under Harbor and Navigation Code §503.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the BOAT 178 form, including how to download the free PDF, fill it out correctly, complete the full lien sale process, and submit required documents to the DMV. All information is based on current official California DMV resources.
What Is the BOAT 178 Form?
The BOAT 178 is titled Certification of Lien Sale for Vessel or Vessels with Trailers Valued Over $1500. It is a one-page DMV form (Revision 1/2019) that lienholders or their authorized agents must complete after selling a vessel at a lien sale.
The form serves as legal proof that the sale followed all requirements of California law, including proper notice, publication, redemption period, and accounting of proceeds. It also certifies the transfer to the buyer and handles any excess proceeds.
Important note on the form: After the sale, the lienholder must retain possession of the vessel for a full 10-day redemption period before finalizing the transfer.
Purpose of the Certification of Lien Sale Vessel Over $1500
The primary purpose of the BOAT 178 form is to:
- Document the vessel/trailer description and sale details.
- Verify authority to conduct the sale (DMV authorization, court judgment, or release of interest).
- Confirm proper Notice of Pending Sale and publication requirements.
- Provide a complete accounting of sale proceeds, costs, and any excess fees due to the DMV.
- Certify under penalty of perjury that the lien sale complied with Harbor and Navigation Code §503 and federal military/veterans code requirements.
Once completed and submitted with supporting documents, the form allows the buyer to register the vessel and clears the lien from DMV records.
Who Needs to File BOAT 178?
You must use the BOAT 178 PDF if you are a lienholder (or authorized agent) conducting a lien sale on:
- A vessel valued over $1,500, or
- A vessel with trailer combination valued over $1,500.
This applies to registered lienholders who have followed the full pre-sale authorization process. It does not apply to vessels valued at $1,500 or less (those use BOAT 177 instead).
Full Step-by-Step Lien Sale Process for Vessels Over $1,500 (Including BOAT 178)
The BOAT 178 form is only one part of a multi-step process governed by California law. Here is the complete official sequence:
- Apply for Authorization — Submit BOAT 152 (Application for Lien Sale Authorization) and fee to DMV Lien Sale Section.
- DMV Notifies Owners — DMV mails notice and places a stop on the vessel record.
- Handle Any Opposition — Oppositions must be resolved via court judgment or release before proceeding.
- Send Notice of Pending Sale — Mail BOAT 166 form at least 20 days before the sale (return receipt required).
- Publish the Sale — Advertise once in a newspaper of general circulation (or post in three public places if no newspaper) 10–30 days prior.
- Conduct the Sale — Hold a public, businesslike sale (no sealed bids). Vessel must be available for inspection.
- 10-Day Redemption Period — Hold the vessel for 10 days after sale.
- Complete BOAT 178 — Fill out and sign the certification form.
- Submit to DMV Within 15 Days — File BOAT 178, excess fees (if any), and all required documents.
How to Fill Out the BOAT 178 Form Step by Step?
Download the official BOAT 178 PDF and complete every section accurately. Here are the exact fields:
- Vessel/Vessel and Trailer Description — Enter license/CF number, state, expiration, builder, type, length, hull number, trailer license (if applicable), make, year, model, and VIN.
- Authority to Conduct Sale — Check the appropriate box (DMV authorization, court judgment, or release of interest) and attach proof.
- Notice of Pending Sale — Confirm BOAT 166 notices were mailed 20 days prior and attach postal receipts.
- Publication of Sale — Enter newspaper name, date, and page, or confirm three public postings if no newspaper.
- Certificate of Sale — Enter sale date and buyer’s full name, address, city, state, and ZIP.
- Accounting of the Lien Sale and Proceeds — Break down auction price (vessel + trailer), itemized costs (towing, storage, repairs, selling costs), total costs, and excess fees.
- Certification — Sign under penalty of perjury. Include date, lienholder/agent name, address, phone, and registration service number (if applicable).
All information must be true and correct. Attach the DMV vehicle record, authorization letter, postal receipts, and any court documents.
Required Documents and Submission After Completing BOAT 178
Within 15 days of the sale, mail or deliver to the DMV Lien Sale Unit:
- Completed BOAT 178
- Any excess proceeds check
- Postal receipts (or bulk mail receipts)
- DMV authorization letter (or court judgment/release)
- BOAT 101 (Application for Vessel Registration/Certificate of Number)
- Bill(s) of sale to complete ownership chain (if needed)
- BOAT 120 if delinquent vessel tax appears
For the trailer (if applicable): REG 343, REG 31 (if no record), and REG 4017 for Permanent Trailer ID.
Official Download: BOAT 178 PDF (Free & Current)
Direct official link: Download BOAT 178 Form PDF
This is the exact form hosted on the California DMV website and remains the current version. Always download directly from dmv.ca.gov to ensure you have the latest official copy.
Frequently Asked Questions About BOAT 178 Form
Can I fill out BOAT 178 before the sale?
No. The form is completed after the sale and redemption period.
What if there are excess proceeds?
Excess fees must be submitted to the DMV with the BOAT 178 within 15 days.
Is BOAT 178 required for vessels under $1,500?
No — use BOAT 177 instead.
Where do I mail the completed form?
Department of Motor Vehicles, Lien Sale Unit (address is provided in the DMV authorization packet).
Why Proper Use of the BOAT 178 Form Matters?
Filing the Certification of Lien Sale Vessel Over $1500 correctly protects lienholders from liability, ensures clean title transfer for buyers, and complies with California law. Errors or missing attachments can delay registration or result in rejected applications.
For the most current instructions, always refer to the official DMV Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual and the BOAT 178 form itself.
Need help with vessel lien sales in California? Download the BOAT 178 PDF today and follow the official DMV process to ensure a smooth, legal transfer.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on current California DMV publications as of 2026.