Michigan Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

Private-party title transfer, registration, lien search, sales tax, and USCG documentation rules for Michigan.

Title Required

✅ Yes

State issues boat title

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

6.00%

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in Michigan

Michigan requires a certificate of title for boats and personal watercraft. When you purchase a vessel, the seller must sign the title over to you. You then have a limited window to apply for a new title in your name.

Apply for a Michigan title at a Secretary of State branch within 15 days. Bring the out-of-state title and proof of Michigan sales tax payment.

Lien Search in Michigan

Before completing any private-party purchase, run a lien search to confirm the vessel has no outstanding loans or encumbrances.

Michigan Official Lien Search ↗

For USCG-documented vessels, also search the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

Bill of Sale Requirements

Michigan requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Your bill of sale should include:

Hull Identification Number (HIN) or VIN
Make, model, and year of the vessel
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Purchase price and date of sale
Odometer reading (motorhomes/RVs)
Signatures of both parties
Notarization if required by Michigan

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in Michigan

Michigan charges 6.00% sales tax on boat and powersports purchases. Sales tax is typically collected when you register the vessel with the state. Some counties add additional local taxes. Check with your local Michigan agency for the full rate.

USCG Documentation in Michigan

The Great Lakes border means USCG documentation is common for larger sailboats and cruisers.

USCG-documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation (COD) issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center. This is recognized internationally and is preferred by lenders for boats over 26 ft. Even with USCG documentation, Michigan may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →