Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis Jet Ski Bill of Sale Requirements
Complete requirements checklist for a jet ski bill of sale in Memphis, Tennessee. Includes exact fees, notarization rules, and where to file at the Shelby County Clerk – Title & Registration.
Fees, notarization rules, and filing addresses on this page are reviewed against 49 CFR Part 580 — Odometer Disclosure Requirements and the Shelby County Clerk – Title & Registration. Source documents are cross-checked each quarter so Memphis buyers and sellers always see the current Tennessee jet ski bill of sale standard, not stale third-party summaries.
Title Transfer Fee
$13.50
Sales Tax Rate
9.75%
Notarization
Not Required
Required Fields — Memphis Jet Ski Bill of Sale
All of the following must appear on a valid jet ski bill of sale in Memphis, Tennessee:
- ✓Full legal name and current address of seller
- ✓Full legal name and current address of buyer
- ✓Agreed sale price (in numerals and words)
- ✓Date of sale
- ✓Jet Ski year, make, model, and body style
- ✓HIN (Hull Identification Number)
- ✓Signature of seller
- ✓Signature of buyer
Notarization in Memphis: Not Required
Tennessee does not require notarization for a jet ski bill of sale. Tennessee does not require notarization for private vehicle sales. Both parties simply sign and date the completed form in the presence of each other.
Tennessee Jet Ski transfer fees and requirements
In Tennessee, the title transfer fee is $11 and registration costs $26.50 per year. Jet Ski sales are subject to 7% state sales tax plus local taxes (can total 9.75%). Tennessee does not require notarization for private-party jet ski transfers. Emission testing is required in Tennessee — verify the jet ski passes before completing the sale.
- Emissions testing required in Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson counties
- Title transfer at county clerk office
- Sales tax based on county of purchase
Tennessee sales tax on jet ski purchases
Tennessee has a 7% state sales tax rate. 7% state plus local taxes (total up to 9.75%). Private-party jet ski sales in Tennessee are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $11.
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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee
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.
Odometer disclosure for jet ski sales
Jet skis are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. Engine hours are commonly documented on the bill of sale but not legally required.
Required disclosures for jet ski sales in Tennessee
When selling a jet ski in Tennessee, 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.
Tennessee bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,712 bill of sale documents for Tennessee transactions, with 46 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
Where to File — Memphis Title Office
Office
Shelby County Clerk – Title & Registration
Address
150 Washington Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone
(901) 222-3000
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Additional requirements in Shelby County:
- Title transfer at the Shelby County Clerk within 30 days
- Tennessee sales tax collected at title transfer
- Odometer disclosure required for vehicles under 10 years old
- Emissions testing required in Shelby County
What to Bring to the TN DMV
- 1Completed, signed jet ski bill of sale
- 2Jet Ski title signed over by seller on the back
- 3Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- 4Payment for title transfer fee: $13.50
- 5Payment for sales tax (9.75% of sale price)
FAQ — Jet Ski Bill of Sale Requirements in Memphis
- What are the required fields on a jet ski bill of sale in Memphis?
- A valid jet ski bill of sale in Memphis, Tennessee must include both parties' full legal names and addresses, sale date, agreed sale price, HIN, year, make, model, and signatures of buyer and seller.
- What is the title transfer fee for a jet ski in Memphis?
- The title transfer fee in Shelby County is $13.50. The jet ski sales tax rate is 9.75%. Tennessee state rate 7% + Shelby County 2.75%
- Is notarization required for a jet ski bill of sale in Memphis?
- No. Tennessee does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.
- Where do I file a jet ski title transfer in Memphis?
- File the title transfer at the Shelby County Clerk – Title & Registration, 150 Washington Ave, Memphis, TN 38103. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Phone: (901) 222-3000.