Michigan Boat Bill of Sale: What You Need

1. Agency

Watercraft titles and registrations in Michigan are handled by the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS). Transactions are completed at a Secretary of State office.

Agency text: “To register your watercraft: Visit a Secretary of State office”

Source: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/recreational-vehicles-watercraft. Last checked: 2026-10-14.

2. Bill of sale rule / state form

Michigan does not publish a named bill of sale form for watercraft. A bill of sale submitted as proof of ownership when registering must include: the watercraft year and make, HIN, buyer's name and address, and seller's name and address. The previous registration for the watercraft with the seller's signature is also accepted in place of a bill of sale.

Agency text: “Proof of ownership, including one or more of the following: The previous registration for the watercraft, with the seller's signature; A bill of sale that includes the watercraft: Year and make, HIN, Buyer's name and address, Seller's name and address”

Source: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/recreational-vehicles-watercraft. Last checked: 2026-10-14.

3. Notary / witness rule

The Michigan SOS recreational vehicles and watercraft page does not list a notary requirement for a boat bill of sale. Check with your local Secretary of State office if you have questions.

Source: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/recreational-vehicles-watercraft. Last checked: 2026-10-14. The agency pages we read do not state a rule on this point.

4. HIN, title, and registration notes

A title is required for watercraft 20 feet or longer, and for watercraft with a permanently affixed engine (inboard motor) regardless of length. No title is required for vessels issued a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation. When selling a titled watercraft, the seller must sign the title to transfer ownership. Michigan watercraft registrations are issued for three years and expire March 31 of the third year. All watercraft must be registered except: watercraft 16 feet or shorter propelled only by oars or paddles (not used for rental or commercial purposes), nonmotorized canoes and kayaks not used for rental or commercial purposes, rafts, surfboards, sailboards, and swim floats regardless of length.

Agency text: “Titles required for: Watercraft 20 feet or longer. Watercraft with a permanently affixed engine, regardless of length. No title required for vessels issued U.S. Coast Guard Certificates of Documentation. Selling a watercraft: You will need to sign the title to transfer ownership.”

Source: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/recreational-vehicles-watercraft. Last checked: 2026-10-14.

5. Sales / use tax

Michigan collects 6% sales tax on watercraft at registration. You must pay 6% sales tax at the time you register or provide proof that sales tax has already been paid.

Agency text: “6% sales tax due or proof of tax already paid.”

Source: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/recreational-vehicles-watercraft. Last checked: 2026-10-14.

6. Agency seller / buyer steps

Michigan Secretary of State recreational vehicles and watercraft page (includes title and registration procedures): https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/recreational-vehicles-watercraft — Schedule a Secretary of State office visit for in-person transactions: https://dsvsesvc.sos.state.mi.us/TAP/?Link=APPOINTMENT

Agency text: “To register your watercraft: Visit a Secretary of State office with: your license or ID; Proof of ownership”

Source: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/recreational-vehicles-watercraft. Last checked: 2026-10-14.