Free Michigan Boat Bill of Sale
Michigan titles and registers boats at the Secretary of State, the same office that handles cars, using Form WR-11L. A boat 20 feet or longer, or one with a permanently affixed engine, changes hands on a signed title. Smaller boats move on a signed registration. The buyer pays 6% use tax and has 15 days to transfer. A trailer sold with the boat needs a new plate, because Michigan trailer plates cannot pass to a new owner.
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Michigan Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
A private boat sale owes 6% use tax, paid to the SOS when the registration is transferred. It is based on the price or retail value, whichever is greater. No local tax is added.
Exemption: Transfers to close relatives, such as a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or grandchild, are exempt. The WR-11L lists every qualifying relative.
Michigan Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Check length and engine: 20 feet or longer, or a permanently affixed engine (such as an inboard), means the title must change hands.
- Match the HIN on the transom to the title or registration. Boats built before 1972 may have none; the SOS can assign one.
- Complete the bill of sale with year, make, HIN, MC number, sale price, date, and both names and addresses.
- Titled boat: every owner named on the title signs it over. No notary is needed. Add a lien termination statement if a loan is shown.
- Untitled boat: the seller signs the back of the registration. If it is lost, use a bill of sale such as SOS form TR-207.
- Buyer files Form WR-11L at an SOS office within 15 days and pays the 6% use tax, the $5 title fee (titled boats), and a transfer fee.
- Trailer: 2,500 pounds or more (empty) needs its own title, and the buyer buys a new permanent plate.
Common Pitfalls
- Going to the DNR: Michigan boat titles and registrations are handled at SOS offices.
- Paying for a titled-class boat with only a bill of sale. Michigan law bars selling one without the signed title, so get the title first.
- Writing a low price: the use tax is based on the price or retail value, whichever is greater.
- Forgetting the trailer. The seller's trailer plate cannot move to the buyer.
Pro Tip
Check length and engine, file the WR-11L within 15 days, pay the 6% use tax, and get the trailer its own plate. Keep a bill of sale with the HIN, price, and date.