FEBRUARY 26, 2008

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today that nearly 280,000 watercraft registration renewal notices will be mailed beginning March 1 and encouraged boaters to renew online at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

"Online watercraft renewal is gaining in popularity because of the ease and convenience it offers customers," Land said. "No one wants to fuss with their registration renewal when they could be out on the water having fun. Our Web-based system makes renewing fast and easy so you don't have to worry."

Online watercraft renewals have increased nearly 139 percent during the past four years, from 15,391 in 2004 to 36,803 in 2007.

The notices include a special personal identification number, allowing watercraft owners access to the department's 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 card.

In addition to Internet and telephone renewal, customers may renew by mail or at any Secretary of State office. Renewals involving a change in name, address or watercraft must be completed at a branch. Only cash, checks or money orders are accepted, except at PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers, which also take Discover credit cards. Mail renewals may be paid by check, money order or Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card.

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.

Watercraft registrations are issued for three years and expire on March 31 of the final year.

There are 938,195 watercraft registrations on file with the department.

To learn more about watercraft registration and other services, visit the department Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Related Link:
> Watercraft Registration Renewals