How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Michigan?
In Michigan, boat registration is handled by the Michigan Secretary of State and renews every 3 years. The fee is based on boat length — from $14 for the smallest class up to $448 for the largest per cycle. 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.
Cost by boat size
| Boat | Per year | One-time (title etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| 14-ft motorboat | $5.67 | $5.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $14.00 | $5.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $38.33 | $5.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- 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.
Estimate your exact Michigan cost
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. This state's full local formula is not yet implemented; see the notes below the calculator.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://www.michigan.gov/sos · https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/11673 — last reviewed 2026-07-16.