Michigan Jet Ski & PWC Laws: Age, Certificate, PFD & Hours (2026)

Michigan PWC Rules at a Glance

Michigan treats personal watercraft, including Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and Sea-Doos, as motorized watercraft with extra safety rules. Start with four checks: age, boater safety certificate, registration/title paperwork, and required safety equipment.

For standard boat paperwork, see our Michigan boat registration guide.

Age and Boater Safety Certificate Rules

Michigan DNR separates PWC operators from regular motorboat operators. The PWC birthdate cutoff is December 31, 1978, which means many adult PWC riders still need a boating safety certificate.

The standard non-PWC motorboat cutoff is different: operators born on or after July 1, 1996 need a boating safety certificate for a motorboat over 6 horsepower, and DNR lists additional horsepower and supervision limits for operators under 12. Do not use the regular motorboat cutoff for PWC.

Registration and Title Requirements for Jet Skis

A PWC is motorized, so plan on Michigan watercraft registration unless the PWC is only temporarily visiting under a valid out-of-state registration. Michigan registrations are issued for three years and expire March 31 of the third year.

Michigan requires a watercraft title when the vessel is 20 feet or longer or has a permanently affixed engine. Many PWCs have built-in propulsion systems, but the safe approach is to confirm title status with the Secretary of State before a private sale.

Michigan lists a $5 watercraft title fee, 6% sales or use tax unless already paid or exempt, and registration fees based on length or vessel class. For title paperwork, use our Michigan title transfer guide.

Life Jacket, Lanyard and Safety Gear

Michigan DNR says each person riding on a PWC, or being towed behind a PWC or other vessel, must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II, or III personal flotation device. Inflatable PFDs are not allowed on PWC or while being towed.

The engine cut-off lanyard is also a practical compliance check: attach it to the operator, clothing, or PFD and to the ignition switch while operating. Add the normal vessel safety gear required for your waterway, including sound-producing device, fire extinguisher when applicable, navigation lights when required, and visual distress signals on Great Lakes waters.

Operating Hours and No-Wake Situations

Michigan PWC operation is restricted during the period that begins at sunset and ends at 8 a.m. Because sunset changes through the season, check the local sunset time before late-day rides.

Slow/no-wake operation matters near other vessels, docks, swimmers, shorelines, and shallow water. Local lake rules and marked no-wake zones may be stricter than statewide rules, so read posted signage before riding.

Towing with a PWC

If towing a tuber, skier, or wakeboarder behind a PWC, make sure the machine is rated for the operator, an observer, and the person being towed. A two-person PWC usually does not leave room for a legal observer and returning passenger.

Everyone on the PWC and the person being towed should wear a USCG-approved non-inflatable Type I, II, or III PFD. Apply the same sunset-to-8 a.m. PWC operating restriction to towing plans.

Common Compliance Mistakes

The most common mistakes are easy to avoid: letting a child under 14 operate, using the wrong birthdate cutoff, riding after sunset, wearing an inflatable PFD on a PWC, forgetting the lanyard, or assuming a rental operator handled every legal requirement for you.

For visitors, combine this guide with our Michigan non-resident boating guide so registration and safety-certificate questions are handled before launch day.