FEBRUARY 26, 2009

Secretary of State makes it easy to renew online

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today that more than 250,000 watercraft registration renewal notices will be mailed beginning March 2. She also reminds residents that renewing online remains the fastest and easiest way to keep your boat registration up to date.

"Online watercraft renewal continues to grow in popularity," Land said. "And it's easy to see why -- renewing online is simple and quick. Renew online and spend more time on the water with your boat."

Land, who continues to promote technology as one means of providing better customer service, has seen the number of online watercraft renewals quadruple during her tenure. In 2003, more than 10,000 online renewals were processed. By 2008, the number had jumped to nearly 43,000.

A unique personal identification number on each notice allows watercraft owners to access the department's online or touch-tone telephone renewal systems. Both convenient options are available March 1 to Aug. 31 and can be accessed 24 hours a day. Payment is by Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card.

In addition to Internet and telephone renewal, customers may renew by mail or at any Secretary of State office. If an address needs to be changed, the renewal can be processed by mail or at a branch office. Renewals involving a change in name or watercraft must be completed at a branch. All branch offices accept cash, checks or money orders. PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers also take Discover and MasterCard. Mail renewals are paid by check, money order or Discover, Visa or MasterCard.

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.

Personal watercraft (PWC) operators are reminded that to legally operate a PWC in Michigan, they must be at least age 14. A safe boating certificate is required for all PWC operators born after Dec. 31, 1978.

Children under age 12 are prohibited from operating a PWC. Those between ages 12 and 13 may operate one if all of the following apply:

• The child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Both the child and parent must have a boating safety certificate.
• The PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch that is attached to the parent or guardian.

Watercraft registrations are issued for three years and expire on March 31 of the third year.

There are 931,068 watercraft registrations on file with the Department of State.

To learn more about watercraft registration and other services, visit the department Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

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