How to Fill Out a Michigan Jet Ski Bill of Sale
Follow this checklist to complete the form correctly in Michigan.
How to fill out a Michigan 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)
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 Michigan DMV title transfer.
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.
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 Michigan title transfer deadline.
Both parties sign the bill of sale
Seller and buyer both sign and date the completed form. Each party keeps a signed original. Michigan may require the signed bill of sale at the DMV to complete the title transfer.
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.
Michigan Jet Ski transfer fees and requirements
In Michigan, the title transfer fee is $15 and registration costs Based on vehicle list price; varies widely. Jet Ski sales are subject to 6% use tax on purchase price. Michigan does not require notarization for private-party jet ski transfers. Michigan does not require emission testing for private-party jet ski sales.
- Secretary of State handles title and registration
- Title transfer must be completed within 15 days
- Plate transfer allowed between vehicles owned by same person
Official Michigan bill of sale form
The official Michigan bill of sale form is TR-52 (Vehicle Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Michigan requirements and can be used in place of the official form.
Michigan sales tax on jet ski purchases
Michigan has a 6% state sales tax rate. Flat 6% use tax statewide. Private-party jet ski sales in Michigan are subject to sales tax. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $15.
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 Michigan, 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 Michigan
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 Michigan
When selling a jet ski in Michigan, 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.
Michigan bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 2,419 bill of sale documents for Michigan transactions, with 65 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
Generate your document
If you prefer to generate a completed Michigan 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.