FEBRUARY 27, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that more than 250,000 watercraft notices are being mailed to Michigan boat owners beginning March 1, reminding them to renew their registration and enjoy "clear sailing" for the season.

All notices include a special personal identification number, allowing watercraft owners access to the Department of State online or touch-tone telephone renewal systems. Both convenient options are available March 1 to Aug. 31 and can be accessed 24 hours a day. Payment is by Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit cards.

"In Michigan you're only minutes from water, making the state a true boater's paradise," said Land, who oversees watercraft titling and registration. "The boating season is just around the corner, and I want to make sure that all watercraft are properly registered. We've made our online and telephone renewal systems quick and easy to use so you can spend more time with your boat and less time with the department."

All watercraft on Michigan waters, including privately owned lakes and waterways, must be registered except for:

• Watercraft 16 feet or less, propelled by oars or paddles that are not used for rental or commercial purposes.
• Nonmotorized canoes and kayaks not used for rental or commercial purposes.
• Rafts, surfboards, sailboards and swim floats, regardless of length.
• Watercraft registered in another state and used only temporarily in Michigan.

In addition to online and telephone renewal, customers may renew by mail or at a branch office. Branch office renewal is required for boat owners with name, address or watercraft changes. Only cash, checks or money orders are accepted at branch offices, with the exception of the PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers, which also take Discover credit cards. Mail renewals may be paid by checks or money orders as well as Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards.

For most watercraft the registration fee is based on length. Registrations are issued for three years and expire on March 31 of the final year. There are about 945,000 watercraft on file with the department.

To access the online renewal system or learn more about other services and programs, please visit the department Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

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