All watercraft 20 feet and longer and all watercraft with a permanently affixed engine, regardless of length, must be titled. Watercraft not required to be titled may be titled as an option.


Watercraft - Registration Required

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

• watercraft 16 ft. or less, propelled by oars or paddles, and not used for rental or commercial purposes,
• non-motorized 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.  All registrations expire on March 31 in the third year of issuance.


Transferring Ownership of a Watercraft

If the watercraft is not titled, simply complete the back of your watercraft registration.  If you have lost the registration, then a complete bill of sale with the year, make, hull identification number, registration number (if available), and the names and addresses of the buyer and seller may be used to transfer ownership.

If the watercraft is titled, the assigned title is used to transfer ownership.  If the title is lost, a duplicate title can be acquired by the owner from a Secretary of State Branch Office.  Without an assigned title, a court order or surety bond is needed to transfer the ownership.  For watercraft not titled or subject to the title law, the assigned registration is used to transfer ownership.  A bill of sale from the registered owner may also be used.  For more information contact our Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH  (1-888-767-6424).

If the new owner does not want a title and the watercraft does not need a title to list a lien (bank loan), the previous owner's title is surrendered when the buyer transfers the registration into their name.  The Secretary of State Branch Office will arrange to have the previous title cancelled.

Correcting Information on a Watercraft Registration

To correct any information on a watercraft registration, the record needs to be researched. To initiate this, you may visit your local Secretary of State Branch Office or call our Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH  (1-888-767-6424).


Transferring Ownership of a Documented Watercraft

To transfer ownership of a watercraft documented through the U.S. Coast Guard, the buyer will need the assigned registration and the Coast Guard documentation papers in the new owner's name.


> Recreational Vehicle and Watercraft Fees
> Additional DNR Watercraft Information