Amanda Knapp
If you're planning to take your boat out on Michigan's waters, you'll need to make sure it's properly registered and that your registration numbers are displayed correctly. The process of registering your boat in Michigan involves obtaining a title or bill of sale and visiting the Secretary of State office to receive your initial registration. You'll then be issued a 3-year decal and MC numbers, which you can use to order custom Michigan MC Number boat registration decals. It's important to note that any vessel with an engine, regardless of size, requires MC numbers. Additionally, the State of Michigan has specific requirements for the placement and appearance of these numbers, including their height, colour, and position on the boat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Registration | Register with the Michigan Secretary of State |
| Registration Number | Assigned by the Department of State |
| Registration Number Placement | On each side of the forward half of the vessel as high above the water line as possible |
| Registration Number Format | Plain block characters at least 3 inches high, reading from left to right with a hyphen or space between letters and numbers |
| Registration Number Colour | Must contrast with the colour of the background so it is visible and legible |
| Decal Placement | On the forward half of the vessel on the same level as the registration number |
| Decal Colour | Red with the year displayed (e.g. 24 for 2024) |
| Decal Expiry | 3 years |
| Stickers | Can be ordered online and must be placed in accordance with the rules |
| Stencil | Required for boats with textured plastic hulls, such as kayaks and inflatables |
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What You'll Learn
Registration requirements
To register your boat in Michigan, you must first obtain a title or bill of sale for the boat, regardless of whether it is new or second-hand. Then, visit the Secretary of State office to obtain your initial registration. Once this is done, you will be issued a 3-year decal, which must be renewed every 3 years. The colour of the decal changes annually.
If your boat is new, the registration will likely come from your dealer. If you are bringing a new boat from out of state, you will need to transfer the watercraft to Michigan via the official website. If you are buying a used boat that was previously registered in Michigan, you do not need a new MC number; the registration will be transferred with the boat.
If your boat has never had an engine and is under 20 feet in length, you will need to make an appointment at your local SoS office or an available Meijer store to register it. You will need a title, bill of sale, or some form of ID for the boat. If you are adding an engine to a boat that has never been registered before, you will need a bill of sale.
Once you have registered your boat or watercraft with the State of Michigan, you will receive your registration documents, which will include your MC numbers. These MC numbers must then be displayed on the boat in accordance with specific rules.
All watercraft in Michigan, unless exempt, must be registered and display a registration decal. The registration fee is typically based on the length of the watercraft, and all registrations expire on March 31 in the third year of issuance. Watercraft exempt from registration include:
- Those 16 feet or shorter, propelled by oars or paddles, and 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.
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Stencil products
Boat registration stencils are a type of paint mask stencil that you can use to permanently paint your boat with numbers. You can order your exact numbers and letters on a paint mask stencil. When you receive your stencil, there will be holes where your sequence of numbers and letters are. Apply the stencil to your boat, then spray paint with your chosen paint colour to permanently affix your numbers to your hull.
It is important to note that the State of Michigan has specific rules about the style of the letters. All letters and numbers must be plain block characters, at least 3 inches high, and must be placed on each side of the forward half of the vessel as high above the waterline as possible.
Inland Marine USA offers a numbering registration stencil kit for inflatable boats, dinghies, and rafts. This kit includes letter and number stencils and specially formulated topside paint in an assortment of colours.
Boat Registration Stickers.com also offers boat registration stencils for $19.95. These stencils are applied just like boat registration numbers, with a reverse transfer paper on top. Stick the stencil to your hull, press it in place, peel it back, then paint in the letters and numbers.
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Decal placement
The placement of your registration number decal on your boat is important to ensure compliance with watercraft registration laws in Michigan. Here are the key considerations for decal placement:
- The registration number and decal must be placed on each side of the forward half of the vessel.
- Position the decal as high above the waterline as possible to ensure visibility and legibility.
- The decal must be placed within 18 inches of the normal boarding area and be visible when doors/hatches are open.
- Ensure that the decal is attached securely and permanently.
- The decal should be placed on a clean, smooth surface that is free from oil, grease, wax, and other contaminants.
- Use a horizontal rule to mark a straight baseline for decal placement, making small tick marks at the endpoints and every 12 inches for reference.
- When applying the decal, work slowly and carefully to avoid stretching or distorting the vinyl.
- Use a plastic spatula or old credit card to burnish the decal onto the hull, applying firm pressure for a strong adhesion.
- After applying the decal, clean the area regularly with soap and water to maintain its condition.
- Avoid using strong cleaners, power washers, or power buffers, as these can damage or remove the decal.
- For complex graphics or designs that require multiple colours, consider using boat decals or boat lettering services that can accommodate your specific needs.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your registration number decal is properly placed on your boat, complying with the requirements in Michigan while also enhancing the appearance of your watercraft.
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Cleaning the boat hull
To put your registration numbers on a boat in Michigan, you must first register your boat with the State of Michigan. Once you have your registration, you will need to purchase stickers or stencils for your boat.
If your boat has a smooth hull, you can purchase stickers with your registration number. Before applying the stickers, you must clean the area of the hull where the numbers will be placed. Use a product like acetone or glass cleaner to ensure that all oil, grease, wax, or other surface contaminants are removed.
If your boat has a bumpy or rotomolded textured hull, such as a kayak or a rigid inflatable, the vinyl stickers will not stick. In this case, you will need to purchase a stencil product. You can then use spray paint to apply the registration number to your boat. As with the stickers, it is important to clean the hull thoroughly before applying the stencil to ensure that the paint adheres properly.
Cleaning your boat hull is an important step in maintaining your boat and preparing it for the application of registration numbers. There are several methods you can use to clean your boat hull, depending on the type of hull you have and the level of cleaning required.
If your boat has been in the water for an extended period, it is important to clean it as soon as possible. Pressure washing the hull is a common first step, as it can quickly remove any built-up dirt, grime, or stains. It is important to do this before the hull has a chance to dry, as it will be more difficult to remove stains once they have set in.
After pressure washing, you may need to use a hull cleaning product to remove any remaining stains or discolouration. There are several commercial products available, such as StarBrite Hull Cleaner, Mary Kate On and Off, or Bar Keepers Friend. These products typically contain acidic ingredients, such as hydrochloric acid or oxalic acid, which can break down and remove stains. When using these products, it is important to follow the safety instructions, as they can be harmful to skin, lungs, and the environment if not used properly.
For more delicate hulls, or if you are looking for a more natural solution, you can try using a diluted mixture of vinegar or lemon juice and baking soda. Apply the mixture to the hull, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a soft brush or sponge. This method may require more elbow grease, but it can be effective at removing light to moderate stains.
Another option is to use a magic eraser, which can be effective at removing stains, but it can be time-consuming and tiring, especially for larger boats. In addition, magic erasers are abrasive, so you will need to wax the hull after using them to protect the surface.
Once you have cleaned the hull, it is important to rinse it thoroughly with fresh water to remove any remaining cleaning products. This is particularly important if you plan to apply stickers or paint, as any residue could affect the adhesion of the stickers or paint.
By following these steps and choosing the appropriate cleaning method for your boat hull, you can ensure that your boat is clean, well-maintained, and ready for the application of your Michigan registration numbers.
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Decal installation
The State of Michigan has specific rules for boat decal installation. Firstly, all letters and numbers must be plain block characters with a minimum height of 3 inches. The decal must be placed on the forward half of the vessel, as high above the waterline as possible, and it must be visible and legible.
To install your decal, start by cleaning the area of the boat hull where the numbers will go. Remove any oil, grease, wax, or other contaminants with acetone or glass cleaner. It is best to apply the decal when the hull and vinyl are above 50°F, as cold temperatures can cause the vinyl to become brittle and affect its adhesive properties.
Next, use a horizontal rule to mark a baseline for the decal. Make small tick marks at the endpoints and every 12 inches. You can use a fine-point felt-tip marker or a Sharpie for this step.
Now, you can begin applying the decal. First, peel back about half an inch of the transfer tape and fold the substrate back on itself vertically. Position the bottom of the letters along the baseline and press the "tab" of the transfer tape onto the boat. Then, slowly peel the transfer tape away, and the vinyl should come with it. Work your way along the graphics, peeling the substrate and pressing the transfer tape and vinyl onto the hull.
Once the vinyl and transfer tape are in position, use a plastic spatula or old credit card to burnish the vinyl onto the hull. Apply firm pressure, but be careful not to rip the tape.
Finally, slowly peel up the transfer tape. If you have prepared a clean surface and burnished well, the vinyl will adhere, and the transfer tape will come off easily.
If you are using a stencil product, there is an additional step. After applying the stencil, cover the rest of the boat with newspaper or cardboard to protect it from overspray. Then, spray paint the stencil "holes" to match the typeface and your custom numbers.
Alternatively, you can use the "Wet" method (not suitable for stencils). First, clean the area of the boat hull and ensure the temperature is above 50°F. Mark a baseline for the decal and make tick marks as before. Next, mix a small amount of dish soap with water in a spray bottle and shake well. Peel off the paper backing from the decal to expose the sticky side and transfer paper. Spray the solution onto the transfer paper and vinyl lightly. Apply the decal to the hull, making adjustments as needed. Use a flat object, such as a ruler or a credit card, to burnish the decal. Finally, peel off the transfer tape.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a title or bill of sale for your boat, which you can then take to the Secretary of State office to get your initial registration.
Bring the Hull ID and a photo of the boat to the Secretary of State. If it has never been registered before, they will issue a new title and reactivate the MC number.
You can either paint the number on or use a decal. The number must be placed on both sides of the forward half of the vessel as high above the waterline as possible.
Yes, the number must be at least 3 inches high, with plain block characters. The number must be visible and legible, with a colour that contrasts the background.
