All boats that have an inboard motor or are over 20 feet long must be titled and most boats must be registered before operating on state waters. Watercraft that are 16 feet or shorter generally don’t require registration.^[1]

To title and register a boat, the owner must go to a Michigan Secretary of State branch and present the following:

• Completed and signed Application for Michigan Watercraft Title (Form WR-11L)
• Current registration (from previous owner)
• Boat title assigned to the new owner (unless no title exists)
• Boat Bill of Sale
• Surety bond (for boats valued over $2,500)
• Photo ID
• Payment for titling and registration fees (current fees can be found on this page)

Once issued, the registration will remain valid for three years, expiring on March 31st of the last year of validity.

The buyer must maintain proof of registration on the vessel by displaying their decal in accordance with Michigan’s state guidelines.