Do I need a special bill of sale for a used jet ski in Michigan?
Michigan requires a bill of sale for all private party vehicle sales. A used jet ski may have additional disclosure requirements around condition, mileage, or title status.
Used vehicle bill of sale
Used Jet Ski Bill of Sale Michigan
Selling a used jet ski in Michigan? Pre-owned vehicle private party sale — generate the right bill of sale for your transaction.
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Selling a used jet ski in Michigan
When selling a used jet ski through a private party sale in Michigan, a bill of sale protects both the buyer and seller by documenting the transaction details and the vehicle's condition at the time of sale.
Legal considerations for used vehicles in Michigan
Michigan sellers must complete and sign the certificate of title, including the odometer disclosure section, before handing it to the buyer. The seller keeps their license plate. The seller should retain a copy of the reassigned title or a bill of sale (TR-207) containing the buyer's name, address, driver license number, signature, purchase price, and date of sale for at least 18 months under MCL 257.240. Including 'sold as-is' language in the bill of sale excludes implied warranties under Michigan UCC MCL 440.2316(3)(a).
Required disclosures
Odometer disclosure on the title is required for eligible vehicles under MCL 257.233a. The seller must certify the reading as actual mileage or note any known discrepancy. The seller should also disclose any known material defects; while private sellers are not subject to the implied warranty of merchantability (which attaches to merchant sellers), active concealment of known defects can constitute fraud not excused by an as-is clause.
Michigan Required Form: TR-207
Michigan requires Form TR-207 for used vehicle transactions. No additional state inspection is required.
Michigan steps for used vehicles
- Complete all fields on the Michigan certificate of title including odometer statement and seller signature
- Remove your license plate before delivery — it stays with you, not the vehicle
- Provide the buyer with the original signed title (not a photocopy)
- Retain a copy of the front and back of the completed title or a TR-207 bill of sale for at least 18 months
- Include 'sold as-is' language in any accompanying bill of sale to disclaim implied warranties under MCL 440.2316(3)(a)
Buyer warning
The buyer is responsible for transferring the title to their name within 15 days of purchase and paying the applicable title fee and 6% use tax. A $15 late fee applies if the title is not transferred within 15 days. A Michigan private sale is presumed 'as-is' with no warranty unless the seller provides a written warranty.
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
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
- Confirm lanyard kill-switch cuts engine immediately when pulled
- Verify required PFD storage and fire extinguisher are present
- Test engine compartment ventilation blower (4-stroke models)
- Inspect handlebar pads, throttle/brake levers for crash damage
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.
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.
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Create Michigan Jet Ski Bill of SaleFrequently asked questions
What should I include when selling a used jet ski?
Include buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers (VIN, year, make, model), sale price, date, signatures, and a clear description of the vehicle condition as used.
Is a used jet ski bill of sale legally binding in Michigan?
Yes. A properly completed bill of sale is a legal document in Michigan. For used vehicles, disclosing the condition protects both buyer and seller.
What are the Michigan fees for transferring a used jet ski?
Michigan charges a $15 title transfer fee. Registration costs Based on vehicle list price; varies widely. Sales tax: 6% use tax on purchase price. Notarization is not required.
How much is a used jet ski worth in a private sale?
Average private-party jet ski prices range from $3,000–$18,000. Used vehicles typically fall in the lower range. The most common makes are Yamaha, Sea-Doo (BRP), Kawasaki.
What safety items should I check on a used jet ski?
Inspect hull for cracks, especially around the intake grate area Check impeller and wear ring for scoring and play