Puerto Rico Jet Ski Bill of Sale

Use this Puerto Rico jet ski bill of sale for private-party transfers. The document records the transfer of ownership, sale price, signatures, and the information both parties need for title records. Boat sales involve dual jurisdiction considerations that car sales do not. Depending on the vessel size and intended use, federal USCG documentation may apply in addition to or instead of state-level titling.

Required information

In Puerto Rico, a bill of sale is a strong seller protection record for private jet ski transactions. Include accurate party details, HIN, sale terms, and signatures before the vehicle changes hands.

• Buyer legal name
• Seller legal name
• HIN (Hull Identification Number)
• Sale price
• Date of sale
• Hull Identification Number (HIN)
• Vessel length and type
• Engine make, model, and serial number
• USCG documentation number (if federally documented)
• Trailer VIN (if trailer included, list separately)

Jet Ski-specific legal considerations

State DMV titling applies to most recreational boats. However, vessels over 5 net tons used on navigable waters or in coastwise trade may need USCG documentation instead of or in addition to a state title.

• Boats over 5 net tons used in commerce or operating on navigable waters may require federal documentation through the U.S. Coast Guard (46 U.S.C. § 12101). A state title alone may not be sufficient.
• The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is the boat equivalent of a VIN. It is a 12-character identifier that must appear on the bill of sale. Verify the HIN matches the hull before completing the transaction.
• If a trailer is included in the sale, it requires its own separate bill of sale and title transfer. Do not combine the vessel and trailer on one document.
• Sales tax may apply to both the vessel and the trailer separately. Check your state's tax treatment for watercraft and trailers.
• For boats operating on federal waterways, U.S. Coast Guard documentation takes precedence over state DMV titling. Buyers should verify which jurisdiction applies to their intended use.

Puerto Rico fees, taxes, and transfer rules

Check your state DMV website for current sales tax rates, title transfer fees, and notarization requirements for private-party jet ski sales in Puerto Rico.

Does Puerto Rico require a bill of sale?

Puerto Rico sellers should keep a signed bill of sale for private transfers and title records.

Keep a signed bill of sale, complete title transfer promptly, and retain seller records in case of post-sale disputes.

Official DMV guidance: Puerto Rico DMV title transfer information

Jet Ski transfer and title notes

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.

Odometer disclosure

Jet skis are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. Engine hours are commonly documented on the bill of sale but not legally required.

Title and registration

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.

Special disclosures for jet ski sales

• 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.

Common mistakes to avoid

Private-party jet ski sales in Puerto Rico go wrong when paperwork is rushed or incomplete. Avoid these costly errors:

• Incorrect or missing HIN. Every hull has a 12-character HIN stamped on the transom. Copy it exactly — a single wrong digit can block registration or flag a stolen-vessel check.
• Forgetting the odometer disclosure. Boats do not require an odometer reading, but if the jet ski has an engine-hour meter you should still record it for the buyer's benefit.
• Missing or incomplete signatures. Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale. In Puerto Rico, an unsigned document has no legal weight. If there are co-owners, every owner listed on the title must sign.
• Not obtaining a lien release. If there is an outstanding loan on the jet ski, the seller must obtain a lien release from the lender before the title can transfer. Buyers should verify the title is clear before handing over payment.
• Not notifying the Puerto Rico DMV of the sale. Sellers who skip the DMV sale notification remain liable for parking tickets, tolls, and even accidents involving the jet ski after it changes hands. File a release-of-liability form with Puerto Rico as soon as the sale closes.
• Accepting personal checks or informal payment. Personal checks can bounce days after the sale. Use a cashier's check, money order, or verified electronic transfer for the full amount. Document the payment method on the bill of sale.

What happens after the sale

After the sale is complete, the seller should notify the Puerto Rico DMV of the transfer to release liability for the jet ski. The buyer must register the jet ski and transfer the title within the deadline set by Puerto Rico — failure to do so can result in late fees or penalties. Both parties should keep signed copies of the bill of sale and any supporting documents (odometer disclosure, lien release, etc.) for at least five years. The seller should cancel or transfer their insurance policy on the sold jet ski, and the buyer must obtain valid insurance before driving or operating the jet ski.