Quick answer: determine whether the watercraft must be titled
Michigan requires a watercraft title when the boat is 20 feet or longer or has a permanently affixed engine, regardless of length. For a titled boat, the seller signs the Michigan watercraft title and gives the buyer the ownership documents needed for Secretary of State processing. Smaller registration-only boats may use a different proof-of-ownership path.
This page focuses on Michigan sellers. The broader Michigan title transfer guide explains the buyer and office process; this checklist keeps the seller handoff and document risks in view.
Michigan seller checklist
- Measure the boat and identify whether an engine is permanently affixed.
- Locate the current title or registration and compare the HIN to the hull.
- Resolve a lien or obtain the lien termination document before transfer.
- Complete the seller assignment exactly as shown on the title; do not leave blank fields.
- Prepare a bill of sale with HIN, buyer and seller names, date, price, and vessel details.
- Give the buyer the title, bill of sale, prior registration and tax records that apply.
- Keep copies and tell the buyer to complete SOS registration before operating.
Michigan's title trigger is not the same as its registration rule. Do not tell a buyer that every boat needs a title or that a bill of sale alone replaces a required title.
If the title is lost or the boat is registration-only
For a titleable boat with a lost or damaged title, the seller should normally order a duplicate title before completing the sale. Michigan also describes an office path for some buyer-and-seller transactions when the Secretary of State has a title record and the parties bring HIN proof and lien termination when applicable.
If the boat is not titleable under Michigan rules, use the accepted proof-of-ownership path for registration. The Michigan boat without a title guide explains why the correct path depends on the boat and its records.
Documents to give the buyer
| Document | Seller action | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan watercraft title | Sign the seller assignment when title is required | Transfers the ownership record |
| Bill of sale | Record HIN, parties, date, price and boat details | Supports the private-sale and tax record |
| Previous registration | Provide it when it is part of the accepted proof packet | Supports registration and ownership history |
| Lien termination | Obtain release from the lienholder | Shows the lien has been satisfied |
| Tax or exemption record | Give the payment or exemption evidence that applies | Helps the buyer complete SOS filing |
Use the boat bill of sale template for the transaction record, but follow Michigan SOS instructions for the accepted filing documents.
Boat, motor and trailer boundaries
List the boat, outboard or motor, and trailer separately when they are part of one sale. A trailer follows motor-vehicle title and registration rules, while Michigan watercraft paperwork follows the Secretary of State watercraft process.
For the buyer's registration steps, see how to register a boat after a private sale. For road-vehicle paperwork, use boat trailer registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a Michigan boat need a title?
What does a Michigan boat seller sign?
What if the Michigan boat title is lost?
Sources
- Michigan Secretary of State - Watercraft (https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/boat)
- Michigan Secretary of State - Recreational Vehicles and Watercraft (https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/recreational-vehicles-watercraft)
- Michigan Boat Title Transfer Guide: /guides/michigan-boat-title-transfer/
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and up-to-date, registration requirements, fees, and regulations may change without notice. Always contact your state's official registration agency for the most current and authoritative information before making any decisions.