Michigan Boat Registration Fee Calculator
Registering a boat in Michigan costs $14–$448 per 3-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the Michigan Secretary of State and renews every 3 years. Non-motorized craft like kayaks and canoes are generally exempt (check local rules for sailboats). Boats with motors — including trolling motors on otherwise unpowered craft — almost always require registration.
Verified against official Michigan sources on 2026-07-16. How we verify fees.
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$42 per 3-year cycle$42.00
- Title fee$5.00
Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.
Michigan boat registration fees by length (per 3-year cycle)
| Boat length | Registration fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 12 ft | $14 |
| 12–16 ft | $17 |
| 16–21 ft | $42 |
| 21–28 ft | $115 |
| 28–35 ft | $168 |
| 35–42 ft | $244 |
| 42–50 ft | $280 |
| 50 ft and over | $448 |
Fees shown are the Michigan state schedule, verified 2026-07-16. Use the calculator above for an itemized estimate including title and one-time fees.
Good to know
- Pontoons pay a flat $23 regardless of size; non-motorized craft over 16 ft (except canoes/kayaks, always exempt) pay $9.
- Titles ($5) are required only for boats 20 ft+ or with a permanent inboard.
What determines boat registration cost in Michigan?
- Boat length (fee tiers)
- Motorized vs. non-motorized
- 3-year registration cycle
- New registration vs. renewal (title/transfer fees apply once)
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Michigan?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Michigan. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Michigan?
Every 3 years — the fee shown covers the full 3-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Michigan?
Yes — in Michigan the boat and the trailer are two separate registrations. The boat's fee is above; the trailer registers as a utility trailer with the motor-vehicle agency, priced by the trailer's weight (often a low flat fee or a one-time permanent plate). See our Michigan trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Michigan?
Yes — Michigan issues a boat title for a one-time $5 fee, generally required for larger or newer motorized vessels (smaller craft are often exempt). The title is separate from the registration fee shown above.
Do I have to register a jet ski or PWC in Michigan?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Michigan, usually in the smallest length class. The same Michigan Secretary of State handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Michigan?
Boat registration in Michigan is handled by the Michigan Secretary of State. You can generally register in person, by mail, or online, and you'll need proof of ownership (a bill of sale or title) plus the fee shown above. Renew every 3 years before your decal expires.
More Michigan calculators
Boat Registration calculators for other states
More Michigan fees
boat registration in nearby states
Official Michigan resources
Estimates here are informational — the state is the only source of an official quote.
Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.