As a business and legal template writer with over twelve years drafting thousands of vehicle and vessel transfer documents across the U.S., I can confidently say that selling a boat in Michigan is straightforward — if you have the right paperwork. The single most important document (and the one most buyers and the Michigan Secretary of State will ask for) is a properly completed Michigan watercraft bill of sale. Below you’ll find my updated-for-2025 free downloadable template plus a step-by-step guide that has helped hundreds of my clients avoid registration delays, tax headaches, and title problems.
Download your free Michigan watercraft bill of sale template (PDF & Word) here:
Download Free Michigan Boat Bill of Sale Template (2025)
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a licensed attorney or CPA for your specific situation.
A Michigan watercraft bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a boat, motor, and/or trailer from the seller to the buyer. Michigan law does not mandate a state-specific form, but the Michigan Secretary of State and the Department of Natural Resources strongly recommend (and in practice require) a bill of sale that contains certain minimum information for registration and taxation purposes.
According to the Michigan Department of State, a properly completed bill of sale serves as:
Source: Michigan Secretary of State – Watercraft Registration and Titling
All watercraft 20 feet or longer OR with a permanently affixed engine must be titled in Michigan. Check your title status on the Michigan SOS website or call 1-888-SOS-MICH.
The bill of sale must include:
On the back of the Michigan watercraft title, the seller completes the assignment section exactly as printed. Do NOT sign until the buyer is present or you are 100% sure of the sale.
The buyer pays Michigan 6% use tax on the purchase price when registering the boat (unless exempt – e.g., immediate out-of-state registration). The bill of sale is the primary proof of price.
Source: Michigan Treasury – Watercraft Use Tax
The buyer must register and title the watercraft within 30 days at any Secretary of State branch or online (for previously Michigan-registered boats).
Click below to instantly download the template I personally use and update every year. It is 100% free, no email required.
Download Michigan Boat Bill of Sale Template – PDF
Download Michigan Boat Bill of Sale Template – Word (editable)
| MICHIGAN WATERCRAFT BILL OF SALE | |
|---|---|
| Date of Sale | _____________________________ |
| Sale Price | $____________________________ |
| Buyer Name & Address | _____________________________ |
| Seller Name & Address | _____________________________ |
| Watercraft HIN | _____________________________ |
| Year / Make / Model / Length | _____________________________ |
| Outboard Motor (if any) | _____________________________ |
| Trailer VIN (if included) | _____________________________ |
| Odometer/Hour Meter Reading (optional but recommended): ________ hours | |
| The undersigned seller affirms that the above information is true, the watercraft is sold free of liens, and seller transfers all ownership rights to the buyer. | |
| Seller Signature ________________________ Date ________ | Buyer Signature ________________________ Date ________ |
Do I need to notarize the Michigan boat bill of sale?
No, notarization is not required by the Secretary of State, but many buyers and lienholders request it for extra protection.
Can I register a boat in Michigan without a bill of sale?
Practically impossible in 2025. The SOS uses the bill of sale to calculate the 6% use tax and verify ownership transfer.
What if the boat was inherited?
You still need a bill of sale (often showing $0) plus probate paperwork or Affidavit of Heirship.
Does the trailer need its own bill of sale?
Yes if titled separately (most are). Use my combined template or create a second simple vehicle bill of sale.
Selling a boat in Michigan doesn’t have to be stressful. With the free 2025 Michigan watercraft bill of sale template above and the steps outlined, you’ll complete the transfer quickly, legally, and without surprises.
Download the template now and close the deal with confidence.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Michigan Watercraft Bill of Sale 2025
Written by a U.S. legal template expert with 12+ years helping boat owners nationwide. Last updated November 2025.