Yes, jet skis have titles in Michigan. State law requires a certificate of title for any watercraft with a permanently affixed engine, and a jet ski’s internal combustion engine and water jet pump are built into the hull.1State of Michigan. Recreational Vehicles and Watercraft The Michigan Secretary of State issues the title, collects the use tax, and handles registration, which is a separate step you also need before riding.
Why a Jet Ski Needs a Title
Michigan titles two categories of watercraft: those 20 feet or longer, and those of any length with a permanently affixed engine.1State of Michigan. Recreational Vehicles and Watercraft Every jet ski falls into the second category. A 10-foot personal watercraft needs a title just like a 30-foot cabin cruiser.
The title itself is a legal document issued by the Secretary of State that proves ownership, much like a car title.2Michigan Legislature. Michigan Code 324 – Section 80312 Certificate of Title for Watercraft You will need it any time you sell, trade, or transfer the jet ski, and insurers will not write a policy without one.
How to Title a Jet Ski in Michigan
The paperwork depends on whether the jet ski is new or used.
For a brand-new jet ski, the dealer provides a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), which serves as your initial proof of ownership. For a used jet ski, you need the seller’s existing Michigan title signed over to you, or a bill of sale that includes both parties’ names and addresses, the year and make, and the Hull Identification Number.1State of Michigan. Recreational Vehicles and Watercraft
The HIN is a 12-character code permanently affixed to the hull, required by the U.S. Coast Guard on every watercraft manufactured or imported for sale since November 1972.3eCFR. Title 33, Part 181 Manufacturer Requirements You will find it on the transom or near the stern. Check this number against the seller’s paperwork before you hand over any money. A mismatch is one of the fastest ways to stall a title application.
Submit the completed watercraft title application along with your ownership documents to any Secretary of State branch office, either in person or by mail. The application asks for the purchase price or fair market retail value, whichever is higher, because the state calculates use tax from that figure. The Secretary of State processes the application and mails the physical title to you.
Jet Skis Bought in Another State
If you bought the jet ski out of state and are bringing it to Michigan, you will need the out-of-state title (or registration if that state did not issue titles for PWCs), a bill of sale showing the purchase price, and proof of any sales tax already paid. Michigan credits sales tax paid to another state, so you would only owe the difference if the other state’s rate was below 6%. Without proof of prior tax payment, expect to pay the full 6% Michigan use tax on the purchase price.
Use Tax at the Time of Titling
Michigan charges a 6% use tax on jet ski purchases.4Michigan Legislature. Michigan Code 205 – Section 93 Use Tax Act The tax applies to the purchase price or fair market retail value, whichever is greater. The Department of Treasury administers the tax, and the Secretary of State collects it when you title the jet ski.1State of Michigan. Recreational Vehicles and Watercraft On a $12,000 jet ski, that is $720 on top of your title and registration fees.
Registration Is a Separate Step
A title proves you own the jet ski. Registration gives you legal permission to ride it. Michigan requires both, and they are separate transactions. When you register, you receive a Certificate of Number (your “MC” numbers) and a color-coded decal showing the registration’s expiration date.
Display the MC numbers on each side of the forward half of the hull, with the registration decal placed about three inches to the right of the numbers.1State of Michigan. Recreational Vehicles and Watercraft Numbers must be at least three inches high and in a color that contrasts with the hull.
Registration fees are based on length and cover a three-year period. Most jet skis fall under 16 feet:1State of Michigan. Recreational Vehicles and Watercraft
- Under 12 feet: $14 for three years
- 12 feet to under 16 feet: $17 for three years
- 16 feet to under 21 feet: $42 for three years
If you buy a used jet ski with time still on the seller’s registration, transfer fees are lower. Transferring and adding two years costs $9 (under 12 feet) or $11 (12 to under 16 feet).1State of Michigan. Recreational Vehicles and Watercraft Registrations expire on March 31 of the third year, and you can renew as early as January 1 of the expiration year online, by mail, at a self-service station, or at a branch office.5Michigan Department of State. Watercraft Decal
What Happens If You Skip the Title or Registration
Operating a jet ski without a current Certificate of Number on board, without properly displayed MC numbers, or without a valid registration decal is a state civil infraction with a fine up to $500.6Michigan Legislature. Michigan Code 324 – Section 80122 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act A separate violation for riding with an expired or missing decal also carries a fine of up to $500.7Michigan Legislature. Michigan Code 324 – Section 80124
Federal enforcement adds another layer on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways. Federal law makes it a civil violation to operate an unnumbered recreational vessel on navigable waters, with penalties up to $1,000. A willful violation can bring criminal fines up to $5,000, up to one year in jail, or both.8Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 46 USC Ch. 43 Recreational Vessels
The practical headache goes beyond fines. An untitled jet ski is nearly impossible to sell legitimately, and insurance companies will not write a policy without a valid title. Clearing up a missing title after the fact means proving ownership to the Secretary of State’s satisfaction, which takes far more time than titling the watercraft correctly from the start.2Michigan Legislature. Michigan Code 324 – Section 80312 Certificate of Title for Watercraft