How to Sell a Boat Privately in Michigan (2026)
| Titling agency | Michigan DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 15 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% (Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | TR-11L |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Michigan — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Michigan requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Michigan DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Michigan uses TR-11L.
- 4Gather documentation — current Michigan registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Michigan dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Michigan registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Michigan DMV — buyer must register within 15 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Michigan DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Michigan lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes TR-11L (Notice of Lien Release).
- Owner submits TR-11L with title application (TR-11) at a Secretary of State office.
- Pay $15 title fee.
- Receive clean Michigan title.
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Start My Michigan Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Michigan
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Michigan?▾
Yes. Michigan requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Michigan DMV.
What is the Michigan boat title transfer deadline?▾
Michigan requires the buyer to transfer registration within 15 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Michigan?▾
Michigan charges 6% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Michigan DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Michigan boat bill of sale?▾
Michigan does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Michigan?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Michigan DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 15 days of the sale date.
Source: Michigan DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07