Do you have to register a boat in Michigan?
All watercraft, unless exempt, must be registered with the Michigan Department of State and display a registration decal. For most watercraft, the registration fee is based on length.
How much is boat tax in Michigan?
To register or obtain a title for a boat trailer, owners have to pay a 6% use tax. This amount is based on the purchase price or retail value of the trailer, whichever is higher. However, if you bought the trailer from a retail seller and paid 6% sales tax, you are exempt from paying the use tax.
Does a boat need a title in Michigan?
All watercraft 20 feet and over in length and all watercraft with a permanently affixed engine, regardless of length, must be titled. Watercraft not required to be titled may be titled upon the request of the owner.
What numbers do I put on my boat in Michigan?
Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow. Number must be in at least three-inch-high BLOCK letters. Number’s color must contrast with the color of the background and be distinctly visible and legible. Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen: MC 3717 ZW or MC-3717-ZW.
What is required on a boat in Michigan?
All boats operating on Michigan waters must carry and, if required, have in operation, acceptable personal flotation devices (PFDs), visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, sounding devices, backfire flame arrestor, ventilation systems, and navigation lights as required by federal law.
Do boat trailers have titles in Michigan?
Registration is required for boat trailers in Michigan. Titles are required on those weighing over 3,000 lbs. All trailers must be titled and registered. The yearly license plate fee for a small trailer (up to 3,000 pounds) is $18.
Is boat insurance required in Michigan?
Boat insurance is not required in Michigan, but all motorized boats are required to be registered. However, if you have a boat loan, the lender may require you to carry boat insurance to protect their investment in your boat.
Do you have to register a boat with a trolling motor in Michigan?
All motorized vessels need to be registered with the Michigan Department of State. This includes kayaks and canoes that have a trolling motor attached. All registrations are valid for three years and expire on March 31st. Motorized vessels that are 20 feet or longer also need to be titled.
How do you place a CF number?
Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen. For example: CF 5573 JS or CF-5573-JS. No other numbers may be displayed in the vicinity of the registration number. Registration stickers must be affixed on both sides of the bow, three inches behind (toward the stern) and in line with the number.
How do you display boat numbers?
Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the forward half of the vessel. Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow. Number must be in at least three-inch-high BLOCK letters. Number’s color must contrast sharply with its background.
Can passengers drink on a boat in Michigan?
Michigan law does not prohibit drinking on the water. Passengers—and the watercraft operator—can openly cruise around with a bottle or two. A blood-alcohol content of 0.10 percent or greater constitutes operating under the influence.
Do you need insurance on a boat in Michigan?
When do you have to renew your boat registration in Michigan?
You must renew your registration every three years by March 31, which is the annual expiration date. Registration renewal can be completed in person at the nearest MI SOS office, online or by mail. Note: Boaters must provide their renewal notice and boat registration fee at the time of application. Replacing Your Michigan Boat Registration
How much is the tax on a boat registration in Michigan?
Use tax: 6% of the vessel’s purchase price. Your boat registration is valid for 3 years, and expires on March 31 of the last year. The Michigan SOS will mail you a renewal notice before your registration expires. To renew your registration with the MI Secretary of State, submit information about your boat AND the applicable renewal fees:
What documents do I need to register a boat in Michigan?
A completed Application for Michigan Watercraft Title (Form WR-11L). The boat’s most current registration . If you don’t have the registration, a completed Bill of Sale (Form TR-207) will suffice. The vessel’s title, transferred in your name (if the boat was previously titled). Proof of Michigan use tax paid, like a sales receipt.
Who handles boat titling and registration in Michigan?
The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) handles all boat titling and registration. Keep reading to learn more about titling and registering your vessel as well as the qualifications needed to operate boats in The Great Lake State. The Michigan SOS requires registration for all vessels used on public waters.