What is needed to register a personal watercraft in California?

• A. Just a bill of sale
• B. Certificate of Title and REG 101 form
• C. Only a verbal statement of ownership
• D. Insurance policy documentation

Answer: (B)

To register a personal watercraft in California, it is essential to provide a Certificate of Title and a REG 101 form. The Certificate of Title serves as proof of ownership for the watercraft, which is crucial for the registration process. The REG 101 form, officially known as the application for registration or renewal, is required to ensure that all registration details are accurately captured and documented with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

While a bill of sale can demonstrate that a purchase transaction occurred, it alone does not fulfill the requirements for official registration, as the state needs concrete proof of ownership in the form of a title. A verbal statement of ownership is not sufficient for registration purposes, as it cannot be verified or documented, thus lacking legal standing. Additionally, while insurance is an important aspect of watercraft ownership, it is not a requirement for registration in the DMV process. Therefore, the combination of a Certificate of Title and the REG 101 form is necessary to ensure a smooth and lawful registration of a personal watercraft in California.