Michigan Overview
Michigan has more registered watercraft per capita than any other state — over 700,000 registered vessels on 11,000+ inland lakes plus the Great Lakes shoreline. All vessel registrations expire December 31 annually — unlike most states that stagger by birth month or purchase date.
Every Michigan boat registration expires December 31, same year. Launching January 1 without renewing is a violation. Online renewal opens October 1 each year at michigan.gov/sos.
Michigan Registration Fees (Annual)
| Vessel Length | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Under 12 feet | $14 |
| 12 ft – under 16 ft | $24 |
| 16 ft – under 21 ft | $35 |
| 21 ft – under 28 ft | $42 |
| 28 ft – under 35 ft | $50 |
| 35 ft and over | $50 + $2/ft over 35 |
| Personal Watercraft | $24 |
Sales tax: 6% collected at SOS branch at time of title transfer.
Title Transfer — Michigan
Michigan title transfers happen at Secretary of State (SOS) branch offices — not DNR. Title and registration are separate documents; you need both.
- Seller signs the assignment section on the back of the Michigan Certificate of Title. Notarization required for vessels over $5,000 or 20+ feet in length.
- Buyer completes Form TR-12 (Request for Title) — available at michigan.gov/sos or any SOS branch.
- Submit to any SOS branch: original signed title, TR-12, photo ID, payment ($15 title fee + 6% sales tax + registration fee).
- Processing: 4–8 weeks for new title by mail. Registration card and decal issued same-day.
Michigan No-Title Boats
For vessels 16 feet or longer without a title: bonded title required at 2× appraised value (Michigan requires 2× vs. the 1.5× most states use). Bond is valid 3 years. Processing: 6–10 weeks. For vessels under 16 feet with no title, a notarized bill of sale may be accepted for registration — contact your local SOS branch first.
Michigan SOS: (888) 767-6424 | michigan.gov/sos
Free Checklist: Michigan Boat Registration
Everything you need — documents, fees, and form numbers for your specific situation.