Illinois Jet Ski Bill of Sale

How to sell a jet ski in Illinois

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 Illinois jet ski bill of sale above with the buyer. Record the HIN.
3. Both parties sign and each keeps a copy. Illinois 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, the signed title and your ID to the Illinois Secretary of State.
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 Illinois'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.