Michigan Jet Ski bill of sale for private sale

Michigan Jet Ski Private Sale: SOS Registration and Great Lakes Market

Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes and has more than 11,000 inland lakes, creating one of the largest freshwater PWC markets in the United States. Michigan vessel registration is administered by the Secretary of State (SOS), not the DNR — a common point of confusion. The DNR enforces boating safety rules and operates the Michigan Education and Certification program, but title and registration processing happens at SOS offices. Michigan Vessel Title and Registration Michigan issues both titles and registrations for motorized vessels, including personal watercraft. The transfer process uses Form TR-140 (Application for Michigan Vehicle Title) filed at any SOS branch office. Michigan requires the seller to sign the back of the vessel title in the presence of a notary or SOS agent — unlike automobile titles in Michigan, vessel title transfers require notarization of the seller's signature. The buyer then submits the notarized title with Form TR-140 and pays the title and registration fees. Michigan vessel registrations expire on March 31 each year regardless of when issued. Michigan 6% Use Tax on Vessel Sales Michigan imposes a 6% use tax on the purchase price of vessels purchased from a private party. The tax is paid at time of registration at the SOS office. There is no Michigan cap on vessel use tax equivalent to the Florida or Texas caps. For a $12,000 Sea-Doo, the Michigan use tax is $720. Michigan does not impose sales tax on private-party transactions; only use tax applies. Michigan Boating Safety Education: DNR Certification Michigan requires any person born on or after July 1, 1996, to complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Michigan Boating Safety Certificate before operating any motorized vessel — including PWC. Additionally, Michigan law (MCL § 324.80147) prohibits anyone under 12 years old from operating a PWC, and operators between 12 and 15 may only operate when directly supervised by an adult with a valid boating safety certificate aboard the vessel. The Michigan Boating Safety Certificate is accepted from any NASBLA-approved provider. Winter Storage Angle: Preparing for Off-Season Sale Michigan's boating season runs roughly May through September. A significant portion of Michigan jet ski private sales occur in fall and winter when sellers list stored PWC at end-of-season prices. Buyers purchasing a stored PWC should inspect the engine compartment and hull for freeze damage — water trapped in the engine block, exhaust system, or cooling lines can cause catastrophic damage if the PWC was improperly winterized. Inspect the spark plugs for corrosion, check the hull for hairline cracks from freeze expansion, and ask for documentation of the winterization procedure performed in the prior season. Many marine dealers in Michigan offer a pre-purchase inspection service for $75–150 that covers these items. If Trailer Is Included in the Sale Michigan titles trailers through the SOS using the same TR-140 form (Application for Michigan Vehicle Title). The trailer title transfer can be processed simultaneously with the PWC title transfer at the same SOS visit. Michigan does not exempt small trailers from titling — all trailers operated on Michigan roads must be titled regardless of weight or size. Step-by-Step Michigan Jet Ski Transfer Checklist 1. Verify physical HIN on starboard transom — confirm it matches Michigan title. 2. Seller signs back of vessel title before a notary public. 3. Buyer completes Form TR-140 — file at SOS branch office with notarized title. 4. Pay Michigan 6% use tax on purchase price at time of registration. 5. If trailer included: complete TR-140 for trailer simultaneously at SOS. 6. Buyer obtains Michigan Boating Safety Certificate if born on or after July 1, 1996. 7. Confirm operator is at least 12 years old (MCL § 324.80147).

Source: MCL § 324.80147; Michigan SOS Form TR-140; Michigan DNR Boating Safety Education requirements; Michigan Use Tax Act MCL § 205.93