You should have a title or bill of sale for your boat (either new or new to you!) With that in hand, you will need to visit the Secretary of State office to get your initial registration. Once you have that, you’ll be issued a 3-year decal (this year, 2021, the decals are RED and say 24 for 2024 on them).
What is needed to register a boat in Michigan?
You will need to visit a Secretary of State office and bring your ID and proof of ownership, such as the watercraft registration, to apply for the title.
How do I transfer ownership of a boat in Michigan?
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.
Is there sales tax on used boats in Michigan?
Sales tax is due on the full purchase price of the watercraft including all accessories. Secretary of State branch offices do not collect sales tax from watercraft dealers. You report and pay sales tax directly to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
What documents should I keep on my boat?
What Paperwork Do You Need on Your Boat and How Do You Keep it Dry?
- License.
- Boat Documentation.
- Recreational Licenses and Safety Certificates.
- Boat Insurance.
- On-Water Assistance.
- Health Insurance and Medical History.
Does a 12 foot boat need to be registered in Michigan?
Michigan’s Boat Titling Requirements
All boats that are over 20 feet in length and all boats that have permanently installed engines, must be titled.
Can I register my boat Online in Michigan?
Customers can visit Michigan.gov/SOS, click the link for online services, and chose from two options for renewing watercraft: An online express option for quick renewals.
What is needed to sell a boat trailer in Michigan?
For new trailers, you must present the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin or the retailer’s bill of sale (receipt). For used trailers, you will need the bill of sale you received from the seller.
How do I find out who owns a boat in Michigan?
Michigan offers no way to search for a boat owner online, but the secretary of state’s office allows owners and other qualified entities to request that information by filling out a record lookup request form. Applicants send the completed form and search fee to the secretary of state.
Do row boats need to be registered in Michigan?
All watercraft, unless exempt, must be registered with the Michigan Department of State and display a registration decal.
Does Michigan have personal property tax on boats?
No, it is not a personal property tax. Instead, it is considered as sales tax paid and you are allowed to claim a deduction on your taxes.
Is a boat considered a second home?
Boat as a Second Home Tax Deduction
You can take the home mortgage interest deduction for one second home in addition to your primary home but you must itemize deductions. A boat is considered a second home for federal tax purposes if it has a head (bathroom) a bed (sleeping berth) and a galley (kitchen).
What does tax not paid on a boat mean?
a) The most common situation of a ‘tax not paid’ boat is simply a that it was registered in the Channel Islands, or somewhere else outside the EEA VAT area. In that case it can come into the UK for up to 18 months before paying VAT, but VAT will have to be paid at the end of that period if it is to stay in EEA waters.
What must be done with the vessel’s registration paper?
Once you have the California Certificate of Ownership, write your name and address on the back. Then you can submit the certificate to DMV along with the transfer fee, use tax, and any renewal fees that might be due. If the boat/vessel has a trailer, you need to get the trailer title.
What do the numbers on the side of a boat mean?
Like a Vehicle Identification Number given to automobiles, the HIN is used to identify each boat. HIN’s are located at the stern of the boat, usually on the starboard side of the transom, or as close to that area as possible. It’s used to register your boat and to track your boat’s history.
What is a pre departure checklist?
The best way to prepare for a boating trip is to write and refer to a pre-departure checklist. This list ensures that one has all bases covered and is ready for anything out on the water. It can also be used to acclimate any new boaters or passengers to all of the tools needed as they set off on a boating trip.
Can you drink and drive on a boat in Michigan?
Michigan law does not prohibit drinking on the water. Passengers—and the watercraft operator—can openly cruise around with a bottle or two. But that’s where the leniency stops. Just as operating a motor vehicle under the influence is illegal, so is jumping behind the wheel of a boat.
Do boats have to be insured in Michigan?
Even though Michigan law doesn’t require boat insurance, it may still be necessary if you plan to dock your boat — many marinas require proof of insurance. Lenders also typically require a set amount of coverage if you’re financing your boat.
What are the new boating laws in Michigan?
The new federal law mandates that every operator of a leisure boat under 26 feet in length with a 3-horsepower engine or greater that was manufactured on or after Jan. 1 2020 must have an equipped engine cut-off switch.
How do I register a boat trailer in Michigan?
If you purchased a new or used trailer weighing less than 2,500 lbs., bring one of the following to a Secretary of State branch office to register it: a) For a new trailer, the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin or the retailer’s bill of sale. b) For a used trailer, a bill of sale from the seller.
How do I find my boat MC number Michigan?
Once you have registered your boat or watercraft with the State of Michigan, you will receive your registration documents. Your MC numbers will be indicated on your paper registration.