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California Jet Ski Bill of Sale

California requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. Fill in the form below and download a free, one-page California jet ski bill of sale PDF that includes everything the California Department of Motor Vehicles looks for, matching the fields on REG 135. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

California
Jet Ski Bill of Sale

Seller

Buyer

Jet ski details

Price and terms

How to sell a jet ski in California

A jet ski bill of sale works like a boat bill of sale: it identifies the personal watercraft by hull identification number, records engine hours, the price and the date, and lists the trailer if it is part of the sale. PWCs are registered through the state boat registration office, which accepts a signed bill of sale as proof of purchase.

Seller steps

  1. Confirm you hold clear title. If a lender is on the title, get the lien release before you list it.
  2. Agree on the price and fill in the California jet ski bill of sale above with the buyer. Record the HIN.
  3. Both parties sign and each keeps a copy. California does not require a notary.
  4. Sign the title over to the buyer exactly as your name appears on it, and complete the odometer section on the title if the jet ski has one.
  5. Hand over the jet ski and keep your signed copy of the bill of sale for your records.

Buyer steps

  1. Bring the signed bill of sale (or California's REG 135), the signed title and your ID to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
  2. Expect to pay sales or use tax on the price shown on the bill of sale, plus title and registration fees.
  3. Register within California's deadline, commonly 10 to 30 days from the sale date, to avoid late penalties.

Before you sign

  • The HIN is on the rear right of the hull, 12 characters.
  • Record engine hours from the gauge cluster.
  • If a trailer is included, add its VIN and generate a separate trailer bill of sale if the DMV asks for one.
  • Note the condition of the seat, hull and any aftermarket parts.

Why a bill of sale matters for a jet ski

  • Boat registration offices want the price for tax and the HIN for the record.
  • Engine hours are the mileage of a PWC; recording them prevents disputes.
  • The trailer is titled separately through the DMV and should be listed.
  • An as-is clause covers hull and engine problems found later.

Want both parties to walk away with a signed copy and a notary page ready? The $9 ready-to-sign pack adds them.

California at a glance

Bill of sale
Required in common cases
Notary
Notarization optional
Official state form
REG 135
Where the buyer registers
California Department of Motor Vehicles (www.dmv.ca.gov)
Buyer's deadline to title
10 days from the sale
License plates
Stay with vehicle

California uses REG 135 to record the purchase price and date, and requires it when the title is missing or the seller is not the registered owner. The transfer must be started within 10 days of a private sale. Plates stay with the vehicle.

Checked October 2026 against the state's own guidance. Rules change; confirm before you file.

Other California forms

Jet Ski Bill of Sale in other states

All states →

California jet ski bill of sale questions

Is a bill of sale required to sell a jet ski in California?+

California requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. California uses REG 135 to record the purchase price and date, and requires it when the title is missing or the seller is not the registered owner. The transfer must be started within 10 days of a private sale. Plates stay with the vehicle. California publishes REG 135 for this; the PDF from this page carries the same information and is accepted alongside it.

Does a California jet ski bill of sale need to be notarized?+

California does not require notarization. Two signatures are enough. If you want extra certainty, the ready-to-sign pack includes a notary acknowledgment page you can use anyway.

Where does the buyer take the bill of sale in California?+

To the California Department of Motor Vehicles or the county office that handles vessel registration, together with the signed title, proof of insurance where required, and payment for tax and fees.

Does a jet ski need a title?+

Many states title PWCs; others only register them. Check the boat registration page linked on your state page. Either way the bill of sale is required or expected.

Is the trailer included in the jet ski bill of sale?+

You can list it, but some DMVs want a separate trailer bill of sale because the trailer is titled on its own. The trailer form here takes a minute.