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Billings, Montana Jet Ski Bill of Sale

Use this bill of sale when selling a jet ski in Billings, Montana. It documents the transfer and helps you complete DMV title paperwork.

Billings, MontanaJet SkiPopulation rank #238

What to include

Buyer and seller names and addresses
Jet Ski VIN and vehicle details
Sale price and date
Signatures from both parties

Next step

Create a compliant bill of sale and download the signed PDF immediately.

Local Requirements — Yellowstone County

DMV / Title Office

Yellowstone County Motor Vehicle

Address

217 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101

Phone

(406) 256-2770

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Transfer Fees & Taxes

Title Transfer Fee

$12.00

Sales Tax Rate

0.00%

Base Registration Fee

$217.00

Montana has no sales tax. No state or local tax on vehicle purchases.

Notarization: REQUIRED

Montana requires notarization of the title assignment for private party vehicle transfers.

Billings Transfer Checklist

Title assignment must be notarized
No sales tax in Montana
Title transfer at the county treasurer office within 10 days
Seller must sign title and disclose odometer

County Information — Yellowstone County

County Clerk / Recorder

Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder

Phone

(406) 256-2785

Website

https://www.yellowstonecountymt.gov

Private party vehicle sales in Yellowstone County may be exempt from sales tax — verify with the county clerk before completing your transaction.

Jet Ski market data and safety information

The most common jet ski makes in private-party sales are Yamaha, Sea-Doo (BRP), Kawasaki. Average private-party jet ski prices range from $3,000–$18,000. Jet skis average 1.2 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Steering, Hull/Deck.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used jet ski

Before completing a jet ski bill of sale in Montana, verify these safety items:

Inspect hull for cracks, especially around the intake grate area
Check impeller and wear ring for scoring and play
Verify all drain plugs are present and seal properly
Test electronic throttle response and reverse mechanism

Jet Ski insurance and depreciation in Montana

PWC insurance averages $200–$500/year. Required in many states for operation on public waterways. Jet skis depreciate 40–50% in the first 3 years. Low-hour Yamaha WaveRunners retain value best. Peak season for private jet ski sales is late spring (april–may) before summer water season, with an average of 30 days on market.

Jet Ski registration and titling

Jet Skis are classified as "Personal watercraft (state-registered)" for registration purposes. PWC are classified by engine hours rather than mileage. Average lifespan is 300–500 engine hours. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to jet skis.

Jet Ski sales in Billings, Montana

Billings residents completing a jet ski bill of sale should be aware of local requirements in addition to Montana state rules. The state sales tax rate is 0%, no sales tax; registration fees based on vehicle age and value. The most popular jet ski makes in Montana include Yamaha, Sea-Doo (BRP), Kawasaki.

Montana bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 301 bill of sale documents for Montana transactions, with 8 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price

45% faster sale

Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.

Source: Experian / AutoCheck

$4,000 avg loss

NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.

Source: NHTSA

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

1 in 3 buyers

Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.

Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)

Frequently asked questions

What county is Billings in, and which office handles title transfers?

Billings is in Yellowstone County. Title transfers are handled by the Yellowstone County Motor Vehicle at 217 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: (406) 256-2770.

What is the sales tax rate on a jet ski sale in Billings?

The combined rate is 0.00%. Montana has no sales tax. No state or local tax on vehicle purchases..

Is notarization required for a jet ski bill of sale in Billings?

Yes. Montana requires notarization of the title assignment for private party vehicle transfers.

What fees should I expect when transferring a jet ski title in Billings?

Title transfer fee: $12.00. Base registration fee: $217.00. Sales tax at 0.00% is collected at the time of title transfer.