February 26, 2004

Secretary Land reminds customers, 'Don't be left at the docks'

In spite of ol' Man Winter's cold grip on Michigan, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that boat owners can renew their watercraft registrations online beginning March 1 at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

The Web-based program provides watercraft owners with the ultimate convenience of renewing from their homes or offices anytime of the day or night. Residents may also renew watercraft registrations by touch-tone telephone or mail, or at a branch office. Online and touch-tone renewal options end Aug. 31.

"It may be winter now, but warmer weather and the boating season will be here before you know it," Land said. "I encourage all boat owners to take advantage of renewing online. It's easy and quick, and the registration decals are mailed within seven-to-10 days."

Colorful "Don't be left at the dock" inserts included with the notices remind customers of the convenience of online and touch-tone renewal. Instructions and the personal identification numbers needed to login to the system are also provided in the notices. Payment is by VISA, MasterCard or Discover credit cards. About 256,000 renewal notices were mailed this year.

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

• Watercraft 16 feet or less, propelled by oars or paddles, and 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.

For most watercraft the registration fee is based on length. Registrations expire on March 31 in the third year of issuance. There are nearly 1 million watercraft registrations on file with the Secretary of State.

Web-based watercraft renewal is part of Land's campaign to increase public awareness about the department's online services. Her "Skip the Trip! Save Time, Renew Online!" promotion, which was launched early last year, included listing the department's Web address on branch office signs.

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