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Watercraft decal
How can I renew my watercraft decal?
What do I need to renew a watercraft decal? (Choose tab)
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Online
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By mail
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Self-service station
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Office visit
To renew a watercraft online, you will need:
- Your MC number
- The last four digits of the Hull Identification Number (HIN), if assigned one
- A debit or credit card or e-check/bank account number
To renew a watercraft by mail, you will need:
- Your renewal notice
- The return envelope included with your renewal notice
- Check or money order payable to the State of Michigan
When renewing by mail, you can also:
- Change the address on your registration
- Have registration sent to a different mailing address
You can renew your watercraft by mail even without your renewal notice. Submit the following information to our department in writing before your credential expires:
- Your first, middle, and last name
- Your Michigan driver’s license/ID number
- Your MC number
- Your permanent address and alternative mailing address, if applicable
- Your phone number
- A check or money order made out to the State of Michigan for your renewal fee. To determine your renewal fee, see “Fees for License Plates, Registrations and Titles.”
Mail your information and payment to the following address:
Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918-8264
To renew your watercraft at a self-service station, you will need:
- Your MC number
- The last four digits of the Hull Identification Number (HIN), if assigned one
- A debit or credit card (additional fees apply) or cash (at specific locations)
Note: A $3.95 service fee will be charged for each item transacted at a self-service station.
To renew your watercraft at an office, you will need:
- Your renewal notice or MC number
- Your driver’s license or ID
- A debit or credit card (additional fees apply), cash, check or money order
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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How much does it cost to renew a watercraft registration?
In most cases, registration fees are based on the length of the watercraft. Ahead of renewing your watercraft decal, you will be mailed a renewal notice which will include the renewal fees you owe for your watercraft.
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When can I renew my watercraft registration decal?
Watercraft registration decals expire on March 31, every three years following issuance. You can renew as early as January 1 of the year that your decal expires.
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I’m not a Michigan resident, but my boat is registered there. How can I renew my registration decal?
If you aren’t a Michigan resident, you will need to renew your watercraft registration decal by mail. You can also renew at a Secretary of State office while you’re in Michigan. It’s strongly recommended that you schedule an office visit in advance.
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Are titles required for watercraft in Michigan?
All watercraft 20 feet and over in length and those with a permanently affixed engine, regardless of length, must be titled. Watercraft not required to be titled may be titled upon the request of the owner.
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How do I transfer ownership of a watercraft?
If the watercraft is titled, a properly assigned title must be used to transfer ownership at a Secretary of State office. If the watercraft is not titled, you will need to complete the back of your watercraft registration and visit a Secretary of State office with the buyer to transfer ownership. If you have lost the registration, complete bill of sale with the year, make, hull identification number, MC registration number (if available) and the names and addresses of the buyer and seller may be used to transfer ownership.
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How long will it take before I receive my watercraft decal and registration?
Allow enough time for ordering, processing, and mail delivery when renewing a watercraft registration online, by mail, or at a self-service station. A Secretary of State office can process your renewal immediately.