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 fees are summarized as $14.00 to $448.00; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) / DNR · Source status: Manual verify · Last checked in site data: August 10, 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: Title Rules, Fees & SOS Steps (2026)
- Michigan Boat Sales Tax: 6% Rate, Use Tax & SOS Fees (2026)
- Michigan Non-Resident Boating: 60-Day Rule, Registration & Safety (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, Certificate, PFD & Hours (2026)
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Michigan, registration is required for: All motorboats regardless of size or motor type (electric or fuel-driven). There are 4 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorboats regardless of size or motor type (electric or fuel-driven)
Exempt from registration:
- Watercraft 16 feet or shorter that are propelled by oars or paddles and not used for rental or commercial purposes
- Nonmotorized canoes and kayaks not used for rental or commercial purposes, regardless of length
- Rafts, surfboards, sailboards, and swim floats
- Vessels from another state temporarily in Michigan
Registration Fees & Costs
Michigan boat registration fees can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as $14.00 to $448.00. Sales/use tax: 6% sales tax. Title fee information: $5.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| < 12 ft (3-yr) | $14.00 | $14.00 |
| 12–15 ft (3-yr) | $17.00 | $17.00 |
| 16–20 ft (3-yr) | $42.00 | $42.00 |
| 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 |
| Pontoon boat (any size, 3-yr) | $23.00 | $23.00 |
Sales Tax: 6% sales tax
Title Fee: $5.00
How to Register Your Boat in Michigan
To register a boat in Michigan, follow the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) / DNR process and complete registration before operating on public waters. Online services are available for eligible renewals/decals and duplicate title tasks; new private-sale registration usually requires a Secretary of State office visit. Registration is valid for 3 years (expires March 31 of third year).
Registration can be completed:
- Online services: Use the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) / DNR portal for services the agency lists online; original documents may still be required for title or ownership transactions.
- In Person: At your local Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) / DNR office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Documents to Check Before Filing
- Completed state registration application form, if the official agency requires one
- Ownership evidence such as a bill of sale, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), title, or prior registration
- Valid photo identification when required by the filing office
- Tax or fee payment documentation where applicable
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) details or inspection when requested by the official agency
Michigan Boat Title & Title Transfer
Michigan title rules: Watercraft 20 feet and over, or with a permanently affixed engine (regardless of length). Title application fee: $5.00. Title transfer fee: $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
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership 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: Title Rules, Fees & SOS Steps (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. If a title document or electronic title release is required, sign or release it exactly as the agency instructs. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | Watercraft 20 feet and over, or with a permanently affixed engine (regardless of length). Title transfer: $5.00. |
| Tax | 6% sales tax may apply. |
Selling a Boat in Michigan: Private Sale, Title & Registration Paperwork
For a Michigan private sale, the signed watercraft title matters when the boat is titleable. If the title is lost or damaged, Michigan SOS lists a duplicate-title path and an office path where seller and buyer appear together with HIN proof, lien termination when applicable, and a title record in the SOS system.
| Form | Use it for | Filing note |
|---|---|---|
| Signed Michigan watercraft title | Transfers ownership for watercraft 20 feet or longer, or watercraft with a permanently affixed engine. | The seller signs the title to transfer ownership. |
| Bill of sale or previous registration | Supports proof of ownership for registration and private-sale transactions. | Michigan SOS lists proof of ownership examples including previous registration with seller signature, bill of sale, MCO, title when required, surety bond, or self-certification in qualifying cases. |
| Duplicate or lost-title path | Used when the title is lost or damaged before sale. | Seller may order a duplicate online or by mail if outside Michigan; another path requires seller and buyer to appear together at a Secretary of State office with required proof. |
Michigan registration is issued for three years and expires March 31 of the third year. Confirm title status before paying for a private-sale boat.
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 services are available for eligible renewals/decals and duplicate title tasks; new private-sale registration usually requires a Secretary of State office visit. 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
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $14.00 | 3 years (expires March 31 of third year) | Yes | 6% sales tax |
| Indiana | $25.00 | 1 year | Yes | 7% state sales/use tax base when due; BMV excise tax and DNR/lake permit charges are separate |
| Ohio | $20.00 | 3 years (expires March 1 of third year) | Yes | 5.75% Ohio state sales/use tax plus applicable local tax may apply; confirm tax proof with the Clerk of Courts or filing office |
| Wisconsin | $17.00 | 3 years | Yes | 5% Wisconsin state sales tax plus applicable county or city sales tax may apply unless an exemption applies |
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?
What do I need when selling a boat in Michigan?
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.