Michigan boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Michigan. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and other
resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of general
purpose boat and trailer registration forms on our Forms
page.
Please visit our
State page for additional
articles and information about registering or titling boats, trailers,
and outboard motors.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
Boat Registration Numbering
The boat
registration number prefix for Michigan is "MC". There
are approximately 829,000 boats registered in this state.
Title Requirements
All vessels
that are of length 20 feet or greater or have a permanently
affixed engine must be titled. Other boats may be titled as an
option. Coast Guard documented vessels are excluded.
Registration Requirements
All boats are
registered except privately owned non-motorized canoes, kayaks,
or rowboats of length 16 feet or less. Boat registration
certificates are renewed every 3 years. Coast Guard documented
vessels are subject to registration.
Sales Tax
Sales tax
applies to boat transactions.
Loan Perfection
Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on the state title records. A UCC financing statement
must be filed if the boat is neither titled or documented. On
Coast Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be
recorded on the vessel's abstract of title.
Registration Agency
Boat titling
and registration are administered by Michigan's Department of State.
Registration Records
Michigan's
Department of State has very strict disclosure regulations.
Information and forms for ordering record print-outs can be
found in our
Boat Registration Kit for this state.
Ownership Designations
The "AND"
designation is recognized for joint owners. "Rights of
Survivorship" may also be designated.
Bonded Titles
Bonded titles
are available for boats.
Residency Requirements
Non-residents
may acquire registrations and titles if the boat is located
within the State of Michigan.
Reporting Requirements
Changes in
ownership, abandonments, destructions, or theft must be reported
to the Secretary of State within 15 days.
Hull Inspections
Hull
identification numbers must be verified by a state official if
there is a discrepancy.
Outboard Motors
Registration
and titling is not available for outboard motors.
Notary Regulations
Notaries must
post a $10,000 bond and affix a seal or stamp to all notarized
documents.
Visitation period.
60 days.
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