Buying A Boat In Michigan May 2026

: A 6% sales tax applies to the purchase price (minus any trade-in value).

Buying a boat in Michigan involves navigating specific legal requirements from the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) . All watercraft used in Michigan waters must be registered unless they are 16 feet or shorter and non-motorized. buying a boat in michigan

: You must visit an SOS branch to submit form WR-11L to finalize the process. Costs and Fees : A 6% sales tax applies to the

To ensure a smooth transfer of ownership, you must secure several key documents: : You must visit an SOS branch to

: You will need either a signed-over Title (for boats 20 feet or longer, or those with permanently affixed engines) or the current registration from the previous owner if a title is not required.

: Standard titling for eligible vessels is approximately $10 . Critical Pre-Purchase Steps Before finalizing any payment, follow these best practices: Recreational vehicles and watercraft - State of Michigan

: This document serves as your receipt and proof of purchase price for tax purposes. According to the State of Michigan, a valid bill of sale should include: Full names and addresses of the buyer and seller.