Quick answer
In Michigan, registration is required for: All motorboats regardless of size or motor type (electric or fuel-driven). Registration is handled by the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) / DNR, is valid for 3 years (expires March 31 of third year), and costs $14.00 to $448.00 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) / DNR · Last checked in site data: March 13, 2026 · All official state agencies
Michigan Registration Guides
Use these Michigan-specific guides for renewal, title, tax, non-resident, vessel-type, and paperwork questions that need more detail than the state overview.
- Michigan Boat Title Transfer: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
- Michigan Boat Sales Tax: Rates, Exemptions & What You Owe (2026)
- Michigan Non-Resident Boating: Rules, 60-Day Limit & Great Lakes Guide (2026)
- How to Register a Boat Without a Title in Michigan (2026)
- Do You Have to Register a Kayak in Michigan? Rules & Exemptions (2026)
- Michigan Jet Ski & PWC Laws: Age, Safety & Operating Rules (2026)
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Michigan, registration is required for: All motorboats regardless of size or motor type (electric or fuel-driven). There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorboats regardless of size or motor type (electric or fuel-driven)
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized boats
- Vessels from another state temporarily in Michigan
Registration Fees & Costs
Michigan boat registration fees range from $14.00 to $448.00 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 6% sales tax, and title fees are $5.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| < 12 ft (3-yr) | $14.00 | $14.00 |
| 12–15 ft (3-yr) | $23.00 | $23.00 |
| 16–20 ft (3-yr) | $48.00 | $48.00 |
| 21–27 ft (3-yr) | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| 28–34 ft (3-yr) | $168.00 | $168.00 |
| 35–41 ft (3-yr) | $244.00 | $244.00 |
| 42–49 ft (3-yr) | $280.00 | $280.00 |
| 50+ ft (3-yr) | $448.00 | $448.00 |
Sales Tax Rate: 6%
Title Fee: $5.00
How to Register Your Boat in Michigan
To register a boat in Michigan, you must apply within Before operating on public waters of purchase through the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) / DNR. Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 3 years (expires March 31 of third year).
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) / DNR portal
- In Person: At your local Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) / DNR office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Required Documents
- Completed registration application form
- Bill of Sale or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- Valid photo identification
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) verification
Michigan Boat Title & Title Transfer
Michigan requires a boat title for watercraft 20 feet and over, or with a permanently affixed engine (regardless of length). The title application fee is $5.00, and transfers cost $5.00.
Title required: Yes — Watercraft 20 feet and over, or with a permanently affixed engine (regardless of length)
Title application fee: $5.00
Title transfer fee: $5.00
Required Documents for Title Transfer
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title (used vessels)
- Bill of Sale
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Valid photo ID
For state-specific paperwork, see Michigan Boat Title Transfer: Step-by-Step Guide (2026). For the national process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Michigan
If you are selling a boat in Michigan, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) / DNR. If you are buying, do not rely on the seller's word alone: match the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the paperwork to the boat and confirm whether liens or title defects exist before paying.
| Transfer item | What to prepare in MI |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. Sign the existing title exactly as the owner name appears. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | Required for watercraft 20 feet and over, or with a permanently affixed engine (regardless of length); title transfer fee is $5.00. |
| Tax | 6% sales or use tax may apply. |
For buyer and seller paperwork, use the boat bill of sale template, check how to look for liens, and compare boat title transfer fees by state.
Michigan Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 3 years (expires March 31 of third year)
Michigan boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current MI state data. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Michigan requires a boater safety course. Persons born on or after July 1, 1996, must have a boating safety certificate to operate any motorboat; PWC operators born after December 31, 1978 also require certification.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Persons born on or after July 1, 1996, must have a boating safety certificate to operate any motorboat; PWC operators born after December 31, 1978 also require certification
Accepted courses: Michigan DNR-approved courses (online and in-person)
Course cost: Varies by provider
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: MC 1234 AB
Minimum font height: 3 inches minimum
Font style: Block letters, contrasting color to hull
Placement: Both sides of bow, forward half
Sticker placement: Within 6 inches of registration number
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Michigan Compares to Neighboring States
Michigan Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Michigan?
Do I need a title for my boat in Michigan?
Is boater education required in Michigan?
How long is boat registration valid in Michigan?
Is there an annual tax on boats in Michigan?
Are fee increases planned for Michigan boats?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Michigan? Visit the official Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) / DNR website or use our tools to estimate costs.
Related Resources
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and verified for 2026, registration requirements and fees may change. Contact the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) / DNR at 888-767-6424 for the most current information.