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How to Fill Out a Colorado Jet Ski Bill of Sale

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Reviewed against state DMV requirementsLast reviewed: April 20266 min readEditorial policy

Follow this checklist to complete the form correctly in Colorado.

How to fill out a Colorado jet ski bill of sale

Total time: 5–10 minutes

You will need:

  • Signed vehicle title
  • Government-issued ID for both parties
  • Hull Identification Number (HIN)
  1. Enter seller and buyer names

    Write the full legal names and current addresses of both the seller and buyer exactly as they appear on their government-issued IDs. Errors here can delay the Colorado DMV title transfer.

  2. Add vessel details

    Record the jet ski's year, make, model, and hull type. Double-check the Hull Identification Number (HIN) from the hull plate.

  3. Record the sale price and date

    Write the agreed sale price in both numerals and words to prevent disputes. Enter the exact date the ownership changes hands — this date triggers the Colorado title transfer deadline.

  4. Both parties sign the bill of sale

    Seller and buyer both sign and date the completed form. Each party keeps a signed original. Colorado may require the signed bill of sale at the DMV to complete the title transfer.

  5. Download and print a copy for each party

    Print at least two copies — one for the buyer to submit to the DMV and one for the seller to keep as proof the vehicle was sold. Store your copy for at least three years.

Colorado Jet Ski transfer fees and requirements

In Colorado, the title transfer fee is $7.2 and registration costs $50 - $100+ based on vehicle weight and age. Jet Ski sales are subject to 2.9% state plus local taxes; ownership tax based on age. Colorado does not require notarization for private-party jet ski transfers. Emission testing is required in Colorado — verify the jet ski passes before completing the sale.

  • Emissions testing required in Denver metro and northern Front Range
  • Ownership tax calculated based on vehicle taxable value
  • VIN verification required for out-of-state vehicles

Official Colorado bill of sale form

The official Colorado bill of sale form is DR 2173 (Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Colorado requirements and can be used in place of the official form.

Colorado sales tax on jet ski purchases

Colorado has a 2.9% state sales tax rate. 2.9% state plus county/city taxes (total 3–10%). Private-party jet ski sales in Colorado are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies; ownership tax also assessed based on vehicle age. The title transfer fee is $7.

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 Colorado, 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 Colorado

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.

Odometer disclosure for jet ski sales

Jet skis are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. Engine hours are commonly documented on the bill of sale but not legally required.

Required disclosures for jet ski sales in Colorado

When selling a jet ski in Colorado, the following disclosures apply:

  • Hull condition and any history of submersion or impact damage should be disclosed.
  • Supercharger or intercooler condition (on turbocharged models) is a major maintenance item and should be noted.
  • Trailer inclusion — if the PWC is sold with a trailer, the trailer requires a separate title transfer in most states.

Colorado bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,683 bill of sale documents for Colorado transactions, with 45 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

Generate your document

If you prefer to generate a completed Colorado jet ski bill of sale automatically, you can create one here.

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)

Informational purposes only. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed attorney for jurisdiction-specific guidance on vehicle transfers, title requirements, or related legal matters.