FEBRUARY 7, 2007

Visitors to the 49th annual Detroit Boat Show can title and register their new boats on-site or take advantage of other branch office services such as getting one of Michigan's new license plates and sign up to be an organ donor, announced Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land.

The Department of State's booth will be on the Cobo Center's main show floor toward the back from the Oakland Hall entrance. A department representative will be at the booth to answer questions about available services. The show is open to the public Feb. 10 - 18.

"Boating on Michigan's many lakes and rivers is a great way to experience our state's natural beauty and spend time with friends and family," Land said. "It also contributes to our economy. I encourage people to see what the Detroit Boat Show has to offer and to stop by our booth to get your questions answered. It's a great day of fun for your family."

People joining the Michigan Organ Donor Registry will receive a heart logo sticker to put on their driver's license or state identification card. The sticker, authorized by a new state law, alerts medical and emergency personnel that the individual has agreed to be an organ donor. Those already on the registry should re-enroll to receive a heart logo sticker and the donor designation on their driver's license.

Additionally, the "Spectacular Peninsulas" graphic plate and the new standard white plate that went on sale last month are available at the boat show. The "Spectacular Peninsulas" design replaces the 10-year-old "Great Lakes Splendor" plate. While new sales of the Splendor plate have stopped, drivers who already have one may continue renewing it if they wish.

The white plate replaces the 25-year-old blue standard plate. A recent state law requires the Department of State to retire the blue plate. The new white plate has better visibility due to its reflective background, which aids law enforcement. It's also more rust-resistant and is more efficient to produce.

Besides inspecting the hundreds of new boat models on display, visitors can have their children fitted for personal floatation devices on the weekends, enjoy a live stingray exhibit and treat the kids to a real trout pond.

Visit the department Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos for more information about Secretary of State services.