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Costa Mesa, California Personal Watercraft Bill of Sale

Use this bill of sale when selling a personal watercraft in Costa Mesa, California. It documents the transfer and helps you complete DMV title paperwork.

Costa Mesa, CaliforniaPersonal WatercraftPopulation rank #288

What to include

  • Buyer and seller names and addresses
  • Personal Watercraft VIN and vehicle details
  • Sale price and date
  • Signatures from both parties

Next step

Create a compliant bill of sale and download the signed PDF immediately.

Local Requirements — Costa Mesa County

DMV / Title Office

California DMV – Costa Mesa

Address

Visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov to find the nearest Costa Mesa office

Phone

See state DMV website for local office numbers

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (verify hours with local office)

Transfer Fees & Taxes

Title Transfer Fee

$23.00

Sales Tax Rate

7.25%

Base Registration Fee

Varies by vehicle weight, age, and county

7.25% base; county/city adds 0.25–3.25% (total up to 10.75%)

Notarization: NOT REQUIRED

California does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient.

Costa Mesa Transfer Checklist

  • Complete a title transfer at your local California DMV within the required timeframe
  • Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate
  • Both buyer and seller should keep a signed copy of the bill of sale
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to the DMV

County Information — Costa Mesa County

County Clerk / Recorder

Costa Mesa County Clerk

Phone

See county website for contact information

Website

https://www.google.com/search?q=Costa%20Mesa%20California%20county%20clerk

Frequently asked questions

What county is Costa Mesa in, and which office handles title transfers?

Costa Mesa is in Costa Mesa County. Title transfers are handled by the California DMV – Costa Mesa at Visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov to find the nearest Costa Mesa office. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (verify hours with local office). Phone: See state DMV website for local office numbers.

What is the sales tax rate on a personal watercraft sale in Costa Mesa?

The combined rate is 7.25%. 7.25% base; county/city adds 0.25–3.25% (total up to 10.75%).

Is notarization required for a personal watercraft bill of sale in Costa Mesa?

No. California does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient.

What fees should I expect when transferring a personal watercraft title in Costa Mesa?

Title transfer fee: $23.00. Base registration fee: Varies by vehicle weight, age, and county. Sales tax at 7.25% is collected at the time of title transfer.