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Waukesha, Wisconsin Yacht Bill of Sale

Use this bill of sale when selling a yacht in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It documents the transfer and helps you complete DMV title paperwork.

Waukesha, WisconsinYachtPopulation rank #531

What to include

  • Buyer and seller names and addresses
  • Yacht 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 — Waukesha County

DMV / Title Office

WisDOT DMV – Waukesha

Address

Visit https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv for the nearest Waukesha, WI office

Phone

See state DMV website for local office phone numbers

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Transfer Fees & Taxes

Title Transfer Fee

$165.00

Sales Tax Rate

6.50%

Base Registration Fee

$85.00

Wisconsin state rate 5% + estimated local taxes (verify with your county)

Notarization: NOT REQUIRED

Wisconsin does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient.

Waukesha Transfer Checklist

  • Complete a title transfer at your local Wisconsin title office within the required timeframe
  • Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases
  • Both buyer and seller should retain a signed copy of the bill of sale
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of insurance

County Information — Waukesha County

County Clerk / Recorder

Waukesha County Clerk

Phone

See county website for contact information

Yacht market data and safety information

The most common yacht makes in private-party sales are Sea Ray, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Grady-White, Viking. Average private-party yacht prices range from $50,000–$500,000+. Yachts average 1 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Engine.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used yacht

Before completing a yacht bill of sale in Wisconsin, verify these safety items:

  • Require a professional marine survey before purchase — standard practice for vessels over 26 ft
  • Inspect engine hours, service records, and oil analysis reports
  • Check hull condition with moisture meter and visual inspection below waterline
  • Verify USCG documentation or state registration status

Yacht insurance and depreciation in Wisconsin

Yacht insurance is 1–2% of hull value annually. Agreed-value policies are standard. Navigation limits and crew requirements affect premiums. Yachts depreciate 10–15% per year for the first 5 years. Well-maintained vessels from premium builders hold value best. Peak season for private yacht sales is fall/winter boat shows drive buyer interest for spring delivery, with an average of 90 days on market.

Yacht registration and titling

Yachts are classified as "USCG-documented vessel (over 5 net tons) or state-registered vessel" for registration purposes. Yachts are classified by length overall (LOA), not weight. Vessels over 65 ft may require a licensed captain. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to yachts.

Yacht sales in Waukesha, Wisconsin

Waukesha residents completing a yacht bill of sale should be aware of local requirements in addition to Wisconsin state rules. The state sales tax rate is 5%, 5% state plus 0.5% county tax in most counties. The most popular yacht makes in Wisconsin include Sea Ray, Beneteau, Boston Whaler.

Wisconsin bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,409 bill of sale documents for Wisconsin transactions, with 38 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 Waukesha in, and which office handles title transfers?

Waukesha is in Waukesha County. Title transfers are handled by the WisDOT DMV – Waukesha at Visit https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv for the nearest Waukesha, WI office. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Phone: See state DMV website for local office phone numbers.

What is the sales tax rate on a yacht sale in Waukesha?

The combined rate is 6.50%. Wisconsin state rate 5% + estimated local taxes (verify with your county).

Is notarization required for a yacht bill of sale in Waukesha?

No. Wisconsin does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient.

What fees should I expect when transferring a yacht title in Waukesha?

Title transfer fee: $165.00. Base registration fee: $85.00. Sales tax at 6.50% is collected at the time of title transfer.