California Jet Ski bill of sale for private sale

California Jet Ski Private Sale: DBW and DMV Requirements

California personal watercraft sales sit at the intersection of two agencies: the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles vessel titles, while the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) issues operator certificates and enforces boating safety rules. Getting both layers right is essential before a jet ski can be legally transferred and operated on California waters. California Vessel Title: BOAT 101 and CF-Numbers California titles all motorized vessels, including PWC, through the DMV. The transfer form is BOAT 101 (Vessel Certificate of Number Application), filed at any DMV office or DMV-authorized agent. The BOAT 101 captures the Hull Identification Number (HIN), the seller and buyer's information, and the sale price for use tax purposes. California issues a CF-number (registration number) that must be displayed on both bows in three-inch letters contrasting with the hull. Upon sale, the buyer must register in their name within 10 days under California Vehicle Code § 9852; late registration carries a penalty fee. California Use Tax on Private-Party PWC Sales California's 7.25% base sales and use tax (plus applicable district taxes, which can reach 10.25% in some counties) applies to private-party PWC sales unless an exemption applies. The buyer pays use tax directly to the CDTFA or the DMV at time of registration. Unlike automobile sales, there is no reduced private-party rate for vessels — the full use tax applies. The CDTFA calculates use tax on the greater of the purchase price or the fair market value as documented in published boat value guides. California Boater Card Requirement The California Boater Card is being phased in under California Harbors and Navigation Code § 658.7. As of January 1, 2025, all PWC operators born on or after January 1, 1954, must carry a California Boater Card. The card requires completion of a NASBLA-approved boating safety course. Sellers should note in the bill of sale that the buyer is responsible for obtaining a California Boater Card before operating the PWC. Operators who are required to carry the card and fail to do so face an infraction citation. HIN Verification and Fraudulent PWC California CHP performs VIN (HIN) verification for vessels with odometer or title irregularities. A private buyer who suspects a HIN has been altered, removed, or re-stamped should request a CHP verification inspection before completing the purchase — CHP Form REG 31 initiates the process. Altered HINs are a red flag for stolen PWC, which have a higher theft rate than automobiles in coastal markets. If Trailer Is Included in the Sale California requires a separate title transfer for trailers of any weight under HSMV procedures. The trailer uses Form REG 227 (Application for Duplicate or Transfer of Title) and a standard California title. The bill of sale should separately itemize the PWC purchase price and the trailer purchase price to allow accurate use tax calculation on each. Step-by-Step California Jet Ski Transfer Checklist 1. Verify physical HIN on starboard transom matches the title. 2. Complete BOAT 101 — file at DMV within 10 days of purchase. 3. Pay California use tax (7.25% base + district surcharge) at registration. 4. If trailer included: complete REG 227 for trailer title transfer. 5. Buyer obtains California Boater Card if born on or after January 1, 1954. 6. Display CF-number on both bows in three-inch contrasting letters.

Source: CA Vehicle Code § 9852; CA HNC § 658.7; CDTFA Publication 79-B; BOAT 101; REG 227