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Michigan Jet Ski Bill of Sale Requirements

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

Michigan private jet ski sale checklist.

Michigan Jet Ski bill of sale requirements checklist

  1. Seller and buyer full legal names and addresses
  2. Sale date and agreed sale price
  3. Jet Ski year, make, model, and HIN (Hull Identification Number)
  4. Signatures of both buyer and seller

If you want to generate a printable Michigan jet ski bill of sale, you can create one here.

Generate Michigan jet ski Bill of Sale

Does Michigan require a bill of sale for a jet ski?

Yes, Michigan requires a bill of sale for all private-party jet ski transfers. The signed document is needed to complete title transfer at the DMV. Both buyer and seller should keep a copy for at least five years after the sale.

What are the fees for a jet ski title transfer in Michigan?

The Michigan title transfer fee is $15. The state charges 6% sales tax on the sale price. Notarization is not required for most jet ski bills of sale in Michigan.

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.

Jet Ski title transfer rules

Jet ski (personal watercraft / PWC) transfers use a Hull Identification Number (HIN), not a VIN. Most states require a watercraft title for PWC. Transfer procedures mirror boat transfers within each state. Most states title jet skis as watercraft using the HIN. Some states combine the watercraft and trailer on a single registration; others require separate titles. Verify the HIN on the hull matches the title.

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.

FAQ

Does Michigan require a bill of sale for a jet ski?

Michigan sellers should keep a signed bill of sale for private jet ski transfers.

What should be included on a Michigan jet ski bill of sale?

Seller and buyer names, sale date, sale price, vehicle details, VIN or HIN, and signatures for both parties.

Is a bill of sale legally binding in Michigan?

A signed bill of sale documents the private transaction and helps prove the transfer date for records.

What are the Michigan fees for a jet ski transfer?

Title transfer fee: $15. Registration: Based on vehicle list price; varies widely. Sales tax: 6% use tax on purchase price. Notarization is not required.

What are the most common jet ski makes in private sales?

The top jet ski makes are Yamaha, Sea-Doo (BRP), Kawasaki. Average prices: $3,000–$18,000.

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.