Boat registration

[Phasma]

I just bought a nice new dinghy! I boat out of Grand Haven. The dinghy was purchased in illinois and shipped here to the marina. I realize I must pay sales tax. I can not seem to get an appointment at secretary of state until October. My question is, Can I legally use my new dinghy in Michigan waters until then? Will my bill of sale suffice if pulled over by CG or sheriff?

 

[Golfman25]

I just bought a nice new dinghy! I boat out of Grand Haven. The dinghy was purchased in illinois and shipped here to the marina. I realize I must pay sales tax. I can not seem to get an appointment at secretary of state until October. My question is, Can I legally use my new dinghy in Michigan waters until then? Will my bill of sale suffice if pulled over by CG or sheriff?

Don't they have an online application? Here in IL you can start your application and boat with a copy until they get around issuing stickers.

 

[sbw1]

Yes. The Sheriff will hassle you. We live on Spring Lake. You may well get a ticket. Go online to the SOS website operated by the Secretary of State to get what you need.

 

[Stee6043]

I did a quick search but couldn't find a link. Two thoughts - generally a bill of sale is good as registration for a period of time following the sale. 10 days I want to say? Second, during this time of Covid all bets are off. I'm not sure they are allowed to ticket for expired tags right now?

I'd be shocked if you got a ticket if you had your bill of sale and an appointment with the SOS...have all your safety gear and boat happily. I wouldn't give it a second thought myself.

 

[RollerCoastr]

Ohio ODNR is even more behind than the Michigan SoS.

It seems like both states are being lenient about tag enforcement this year.

 

[Phasma]

We rafted off on Spring Lake on saturday. I had to run back to the marina to pick up a friend and then return to the raft off. I drove past a sheriff deputy and he didn't give me a second look. I thought for sure he would pull me over. As suggested it appears they are not interested in tag enforcement for the time being. Thanks all

 

[sbw1]

I did a quick search but couldn't find a link. Two thoughts - generally a bill of sale is good as registration for a period of time following the sale. 10 days I want to say? Second, during this time of Covid all bets are off. I'm not sure they are allowed to ticket for expired tags right now?

I'd be shocked if you got a ticket if you had your bill of sale and an appointment with the SOS...have all your safety gear and boat happily. I wouldn't give it a second thought myself.

Go to Michigan Department of State. There is a button at the top of the home page. Click Vehicles. Then click Recreational Vehicles. Then click Watercraft. Pretty easy.