Kentucky Personal Watercraft Bill of Sale — Free Template, TC 96-182-Compatible

A Kentucky personal watercraft bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership between a private seller and buyer, establishing the agreed sale price, vehicle identity (hull identification number and vessel details), and the date of transfer. In Kentucky, the document must be notarized to be valid for title transfer at the DMV. As of 2026, the state-designated form is TC 96-182 — our free template meets all the same requirements.

Yes, you can sell your personal watercraft in Kentucky with a free, DMV-accepted bill of sale — created online in 60 seconds, no signup required, no email gate. The state-designated form is TC 96-182 (Bill of Sale) — our template meets all the same requirements. Click below to fill out and download.

Kentucky Personal Watercraft Quick Facts

Quick answers for Kentucky personal watercraft sellers

Use this Kentucky personal watercraft 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.

Required information

In Kentucky, a bill of sale is a strong seller protection record for private personal watercraft 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

Kentucky fees, taxes, and transfer rules

In Kentucky, vehicle sales are subject to 6% motor vehicle usage tax. The title transfer fee is $9. Kentucky requires notarization of the bill of sale or title for private-party vehicle transfers.

• Notarization required on the title for transfer
• Emissions testing required in select Northern Kentucky and Jefferson County
• Title transfer within 15 days of sale

Does Kentucky require a bill of sale?

Kentucky 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 titling agency guidance: Kentucky DMV — Kentucky vessel title and registration

Official Kentucky bill of sale form

The official Kentucky bill of sale form is TC 96-182 (Bill of Sale). This is the state-designated form used to document private-party vehicle transfers.

BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets Kentucky requirements and can be used in place of TC 96-182. Our form includes all fields required by Kentucky law and produces a printable PDF you can submit to your local DMV or keep for your records.

State requirements for Kentucky

In Kentucky, a vehicle bill of sale is required for private-party transfers. The state charges 6% sales tax on vehicle sales, calculated on the sale price. Title transfer must be completed within 15 days at your local DMV. Notarization is required for this document.

Additional Kentucky requirements:

• Notarization required on the title for transfer
• Emissions testing required in select Northern Kentucky and Jefferson County
• Title transfer within 15 days of sale

Personal Watercraft transfer and title notes

Personal watercraft (PWC) title transfer follows boat rules in most states. PWCs require both a Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the bill of sale and, in some states, a separate trailer title if the trailer is included. State DNR or boating-agency registration applies in addition to DMV title transfer.

Odometer disclosure

PWCs are watercraft and are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. Document the engine-hours reading instead — Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner, and Kawasaki Jet Ski models all have hour-meters as the industry-standard wear indicator.

Applicable federal law: 33 CFR Part 181 — Manufacturer requirements (HIN); 33 CFR 175 — Recreational boating safety equipment

Title and registration

States that title PWCs use a watercraft title format similar to boats. A small number of states (e.g. Alaska, Maine inland) only register PWCs without titling. The bill of sale is the primary ownership document in non-title states.

Special disclosures for personal watercraft sales

• Hull Identification Number (HIN) must be physically verified against the bill of sale and title — HIN tampering is a federal offense under 33 CFR 181.29.
• Coast Guard safety equipment (Type III PFD, fire extinguisher, sound device) inclusion should be itemized — buyer may otherwise need to purchase $100-$300 in equipment to operate legally.
• Two-stroke vs. four-stroke engine type affects emission compliance in California and other CARB-aligned states.

Common mistakes to avoid

Private-party personal watercraft sales in Kentucky 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 personal watercraft 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 Kentucky, 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 personal watercraft, 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 Kentucky DMV of the sale. Sellers who skip the DMV sale notification remain liable for parking tickets, tolls, and even accidents involving the personal watercraft after it changes hands. File a release-of-liability form with Kentucky 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 Kentucky DMV of the transfer to release liability for the personal watercraft. The buyer must register the personal watercraft and transfer the title within the deadline set by Kentucky — 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 personal watercraft, and the buyer must obtain valid insurance before driving or operating the personal watercraft.