You CAN transfer a boat from another state to Michigan, and here is how you’ll transfer a boat from another state to Michigan. Provided you’ll use the boat primarily in Michigan, you’ll go to michigan.gov/sos and choose vehicles and then watercraft.
If you are moving the boat from say, Ohio to Michigan (we approve of this!) you’ll need to schedule your first visit in person at the closest Secretary of State office to where you or your boat will be at (mostly for your convenience, if you’re keeping the boat at a cottage, make an appointment near there.)
You’ll need the following:
- If the watercraft is not titled, assign ownership by completing the back of your watercraft registration.
- If you have lost the registration, then complete a bill of sale with the year, make, hull identification number, MC registration number (if available), and the names and addresses of the buyer and seller.
- If the watercraft is titled, you must fill out the title to transfer ownership.
It doesn’t have to be a fancy bill of sale – we have personally transferred the “cottage boat” for $1 from one family member to another with one sentence – a description, hull ID of the boat, and the information for buyer and seller.
Make your appointment online, bring your boat documentation with you and in about twenty minutes, you’ll walk out with your year sticker, a new registration. You can THEN order your Michigan MC Numbers to put on your boat (that match the registration that the state gave you) here! Ten fonts and 10 colors of vinyl to coordinate with your boat!
