Watercraft renewal notices are sent in March

LANSING, Mich. – Secretary of State Ruth Johnson reminds boat owners of the ease and convenience of renewing their watercraft registration online at ExpressSOS.com as her office begins sending out more than 252,000 watercraft renewal notices.

“I encourage all boat owners to renew online,” Johnson said. “Where would you rather be, preparing your boat for a fun-filled season on the lake, or renewing your registration in person? Renewing online is quick and easy, leaving you more time to enjoy your boat.”

In 2014, more than 47,000 watercraft renewals were submitted online.

ExpressSOS.com offers two methods for renewal. Express Renewal is fast and easy, requiring only the boat’s registration number to renew. Online Renewal PLUS lists all vehicles and watercraft eligible for renewal and lets customers complete other online transactions at the same time, such as changing an address or renewing a driver’s license.

Nicki Polan, executive director of the Michigan Boating Industries Association, thanked Johnson for her efforts in making watercraft renewal convenient.

“Secretary Johnson is an avid outdoors enthusiast – she loves kayaking along Michigan’s waterways and is a strong supporter of the state’s boating industry,” Polan said. “Her goal is to provide the best SOS customer services possible, and making it easy and fast for boaters to renew their registrations online is just one example, the Mobile Office at our boat shows is another.”

Watercraft renewals also may be completed by mail or at a Secretary of State office. A change of address may be submitted when renewing online, by mail or at an office.  Renewals involving a change in name or watercraft information must be completed at an office.

Discover, MasterCard and Visa debit and credit cards are accepted when renewing online, by mail or at an office. Cash and checks are accepted at all offices.

In Michigan, there are nearly 900,000 registered watercraft. Registrations are issued for three years and expire on March 31 of the third year.

All watercraft on Michigan waters, including privately owned lakes and waterways, must be registered except for:

• Watercraft 16 feet or less, propelled by oars or paddles that are not used for rental or commercial purposes.
• Nonmotorized canoes and kayaks not used for rental or commercial purposes.
• Rafts, surfboards, sailboards and swim floats, regardless of length.
• Watercraft registered in another state and used only temporarily in Michigan.

A boating safety certificate is required to operate a personal watercraft for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1978. Personal watercraft operators must be at least age 16. Children ages 14-15 may operate one if they are accompanied by a parent, guardian or designated adult age 21 or older, or if they are operating one within 100 feet of a parent, legal guardian or designated adult age 21 or older.