Overview
Titling works differently than registration: any boat 20 feet or longer, or any boat with a permanently mounted (inboard) engine regardless of length, must be titled - a $5 fee. Smaller boats with a detachable outboard motor register with just a bill of sale, no title needed. A 6% sales tax applies once, at purchase, on top of registration and any title fee - there's no annual property or excise tax on Michigan boats beyond that 3-year registration cycle.
01 - Official fees
Michigan boat registration fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 ft | $14 | 3-year registration |
| 12 ft – 15 ft | $23 | 3-year registration |
| 16 ft – 20 ft | $48 | 3-year registration |
| 21 ft – 27 ft | $115 | 3-year registration |
| 28 ft – 34 ft | $168 | 3-year registration |
| 35 ft – 41 ft | $244 | 3-year registration |
| 42 ft – 49 ft | $280 | 3-year registration |
| 50 ft and over | $448 | 3-year registration |
| Boat title (20 ft+ or any inboard) | $5 | |
| Sales tax | 6% | one-time, at purchase |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with the Michigan Secretary of State (branch office or SOS2GO/Online Services) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to register a boat in Michigan
- 1
Get a bill of sale or the previous owner's signed-over title (required for 20 ft+ or any boat with a permanently mounted engine).
- 2
Bring it, with proof of the purchase price, to any Secretary of State branch - boats don't go through the DNR.
- 3
Pay the 3-year registration fee for your length class, the $5 title fee if applicable, and 6% sales tax.
- 4
Display the registration decal and Michigan number on the bow as instructed by the SOS.
- 5
Renew every 3 years by March 31 of the expiration year - no annual boat tax in between.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Michigan vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Michigan boat registration FAQ
Does Michigan register boats through the DNR like most other states?
No - that's the state's biggest boating quirk. The Secretary of State handles all boat titling and registration, the same office you use for your car, not the Department of Natural Resources.
How much does it cost to register a boat in Michigan?
For 3 years: $14 under 12 ft, $23 for 12–15 ft, $48 for 16–20 ft, $115 for 21–27 ft, $168 for 28–34 ft, $244 for 35–41 ft, $280 for 42–49 ft, and $448 for 50 ft and up. Add $5 for a title if the boat needs one, plus 6% sales tax on a new purchase.
Does my boat need a title or just registration?
A title is required for any vessel 20 feet or longer, or any boat with a permanently mounted (inboard) engine no matter its length. Smaller boats with a detachable outboard just need registration - a bill of sale is enough proof of ownership.
Is there an annual tax on boats in Michigan?
No - registration renews every 3 years and the 6% sales tax is a one-time charge at purchase. There's no yearly excise or property tax layered on top like some states apply to vessels.
Do kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards need to register?
No - non-motorized vessels 16 feet or shorter, powered only by oars or paddles and not used commercially, are exempt from Michigan registration entirely.
Does a boat trailer register separately?
Yes - a boat trailer is a vehicle and registers with the Secretary of State like any other trailer, completely separate from the boat's own registration and title.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.