When should I use the odometer exempt page?
Use this page when your personal watercraft sale in Utah fits a odometer exempt scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Odometer exempt — Utah
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What to know about odometer exempt sales in Utah
Under 49 CFR § 580.17 as amended in 2021, the age exemption is two-tier: vehicles of model year 2010 or older are exempt (the old 10-year rule), but model year 2011 and newer vehicles are exempt only once they are 20 or more model years old — a 2011-or-newer vehicle that is merely 10+ years old still requires full odometer disclosure. You still must not knowingly falsify mileage. Even if federally exempt, some states have their own mileage disclosure requirements — document the known odometer reading in the bill of sale regardless.
What to include in your bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
- Personal Watercraft make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
- Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
- Any odometer exempt-specific disclosures required in Utah.
Seller guidance
Under 49 CFR § 580.17 as amended in 2021, the age exemption is two-tier: vehicles of model year 2010 or older are exempt (the old 10-year rule), but model year 2011 and newer vehicles are exempt only once they are 20 or more model years old — a 2011-or-newer vehicle that is merely 10+ years old still requires full odometer disclosure. You still must not knowingly falsify mileage. Even if federally exempt, some states have their own mileage disclosure requirements — document the known odometer reading in the bill of sale regardless.
Buyer guidance
While the seller may not be legally required to provide a federal odometer statement, you should still request the actual mileage and note it in the bill of sale. High-mileage vehicles command lower prices, so confirming the reading protects you from misrepresentation claims later.
Utah-Specific Note
Utah Code § 41-1a-902 exempts a vehicle 20 years old or older from odometer disclosure, but the federal 2021 rule change means that clock only starts at model year 2011 — so a 2011 model isn't exempt until 2031, not simply once it turns 20 calendar years old. Utah also exempts a vehicle with a manufacturer gross weight rating over 16,000 lbs, or one registered in Utah for a gross laden weight of 18,000 lbs or more, plus non-motorized trailers, low-speed vehicles, mopeds, and scooters. For a non-exempt sale, complete the disclosure on the back of the Certificate of Title in the Assignment of Title by Registered Owner section, or use standalone Form TC-891 if the title lacks the section.
Legal considerations
Utah Code § 41-1a-902 exempts a vehicle 20 years old or older from odometer disclosure, but the federal 2021 rule change means that clock only starts at model year 2011 — so a 2011 model isn't exempt until 2031, not simply once it turns 20 calendar years old. Utah also exempts a vehicle with a manufacturer gross weight rating over 16,000 lbs, or one registered in Utah for a gross laden weight of 18,000 lbs or more, plus non-motorized trailers, low-speed vehicles, mopeds, and scooters. For a non-exempt sale, complete the disclosure on the back of the Certificate of Title in the Assignment of Title by Registered Owner section, or use standalone Form TC-891 if the title lacks the section.
Utah Personal Watercraft transfer fees and requirements
In Utah, the title transfer fee is $6 and registration costs $44 - $150+ depending on vehicle age and type. Personal Watercraft sales are subject to 6.1% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~8.5%). Utah does not require notarization for private-party personal watercraft transfers. Emission testing is required in Utah — verify the personal watercraft passes before completing the sale.
- Safety and emissions inspection required in Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties
- Title transfer at DMV within 48 hours of sale
- Age-based registration fee structure
Utah sales tax on personal watercraft purchases
Utah has a 6.1% state sales tax rate. 6.1% state plus local taxes (total up to ~8.5%). Private-party personal watercraft sales in Utah are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $6.
Personal Watercraft market data and safety information
The most common personal watercraft makes in private-party sales are Yamaha, Sea-Doo (BRP), Kawasaki. Average private-party personal watercraft prices range from $3,000–$20,000. Personal watercrafts average 1.2 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Steering, Hull.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used personal watercraft
Before completing a personal watercraft bill of sale in Utah, verify these safety items:
- Inspect hull for spider cracks and stress fractures around mounting points
- Check wear ring and impeller clearance — determines acceleration and top speed
- Verify HIN (Hull Identification Number) matches registration
- Test electronic throttle and reverse operation
- Confirm lanyard kill-switch cuts power immediately when pulled
- Verify required fire extinguisher is present and current
- Test engine compartment ventilation blower (4-stroke models)
- Inspect tow eye, ski-tow ring, and grab handle attachment
Personal Watercraft insurance and depreciation in Utah
PWC insurance averages $200–$500/year. Many marinas require proof of insurance. PWC depreciate 40–50% in the first 3 years. Three-seat models retain value better than single-seat. Peak season for private personal watercraft sales is april–may before summer water season, with an average of 30 days on market.
Personal Watercraft registration and titling
Personal Watercrafts are classified as "Personal watercraft (state-registered, minimum operator age varies by state)" for registration purposes. PWC are classified by engine hours. Average recreational lifespan is 300–500 hours. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to personal watercrafts.
Safety tips for odometer exempt personal watercraft transactions
When completing a odometer exempt personal watercraft sale in Utah, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common personal watercraft recall categories are Fuel System, Steering, Hull. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.
Checklist for odometer exempt personal watercraft sale in Utah
- Confirm the vehicle qualifies: model year 2010 or older, OR model year 2011+ and 20+ model years old, OR GVWR over 16,000 lbs
- Check your state's mileage disclosure rules — some exceed the federal minimum
- Record the actual known mileage in the bill of sale voluntarily
- Note on the bill of sale that odometer disclosure is exempt under 49 CFR § 580.17
- Retain a copy of the bill of sale showing the exempt-disclosure notation
- Confirm exemption: model year 2010 or older, OR model year 2011+ and 20+ model years old, OR over 16,000 lbs manufacturer GVWR / 18,000 lbs registered gross weight
- For a non-exempt sale, complete the odometer section on the back of the Certificate of Title
- If the title has no disclosure section, both parties complete Form TC-891 instead
- Keep a copy of the disclosure for at least 4 years as required by Utah and federal law
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main Utah personal watercraft bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open Utah Personal Watercraft bill of saleThe Private Vehicle Sale Market
17.5M private sales/yr
About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.
Source: Cox Automotive 2024
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Frequently asked questions
Why does the odometer exempt scenario have its own page?
Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a odometer exempt transaction specifically.
What should be included in this bill of sale?
Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the odometer exempt transaction.
What are the Utah fees for a odometer exempt personal watercraft transfer?
Utah charges a $6 title transfer fee. Registration costs $44 - $150+ depending on vehicle age and type. Sales tax: 6.1% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~8.5%). Notarization is not required for most transfers.
What personal watercraft makes are most commonly sold in Utah?
The most popular personal watercraft makes in private-party sales are Yamaha, Sea-Doo (BRP), Kawasaki. Average private-party prices range from $3,000–$20,000.
Do I pay sales tax on a odometer exempt personal watercraft sale in Utah?
Utah has a 6.1% state sales tax rate. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases
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