Michigan watercraft title bonds.
From $100.

When you can’t prove ownership of a boat, Michigan lets you get a bonded title — file a surety bond and the Secretary of State issues the certificate of title. The bond amount is twice the watercraft’s value; priced at 0.9% of the bond amount, $100 minimum on the Vehicle Uniform Surety Bond (TR-121), and the application collects no credit information.

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For owners with missing or insufficient proof of ownership of a watercraft

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Amount is two times the watercraft’s value — set by the Secretary of State Vehicle Title Division

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Priced at 0.9% of the bond amount, $100 minimum, no credit section in the application — enter your bond amount and see your exact price

0.9% of amount$100 minimumNo SSNin the applicationFastinstant underwriting for most

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How it works

Apply to bonded title in one sitting.

No underwriting queue for the standard title bond — enter your amount, pay, and take the executed bond to the Secretary of State. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your details, the watercraft, and the bond amount (twice the value) — that is the entire application.

INSTANTLY

Issued on the spot

No credit section and no waiting — the executed bond is generated as soon as you pay. Larger amounts may get a quick review, and if a check ever runs it’s a soft pull that won’t affect your score.

WITHIN 30 DAYS

File with the Secretary of State

Take the executed Vehicle Uniform Surety Bond (TR-121) to a Secretary of State office to get your bonded watercraft title. The bond must be filed within 30 days of issuance.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the watercraft title bond actually does

When you buy, inherit, or otherwise come to own a watercraft and the paperwork is missing or insufficient, Michigan lets you establish ownership with a bonded title. You post a surety bond, the Secretary of State issues a certificate of title in your name, and the bond protects anyone with a superior claim to the boat.

The bond is filed on the Vehicle Uniform Surety Bond (form TR-121), and the Secretary of State Vehicle Title Division sets the amount at two times the watercraft’s value. It protects the Secretary of State and any previous or future owner against loss arising from issuing the bonded title.

If someone with a better claim comes forward and is harmed, they can recover against the bond — and if the surety pays, you repay the surety. The bond must be filed within 30 days of issuance. Michigan’s watercraft titling falls under Part 803 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL 324.80312 et seq.); enter your amount — pricing starts from $100, and the application collects no credit information.

MCL 324.80312 / 324.80320 (watercraft title)Michigan watercraft titling is governed by Part 803 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL 324.80312 and 324.80320). An owner with insufficient proof of ownership may obtain a bonded title using the Vehicle Uniform Surety Bond (form TR-121); the Secretary of State Vehicle Title Division sets the amount at twice the watercraft's value, and the bond must be filed within 30 days of issuance.

You need this bond if you are

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A boat buyer with no title — the seller never delivered one, or it was lost

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Titling an inherited or gifted watercraft with gaps in the ownership chain

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Holding insufficient proof of ownership the Secretary of State won’t accept on its own

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Registering a project or abandoned boat that needs a bonded title to be titled

One application, issued on the spot.

Submit the application with your bond amount (twice the watercraft’s value) — the executed title bond is generated instantly, ready to take to the Secretary of State.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Michigan watercraft title bond?Pricing is 0.9% of the bond amount, $100 minimum. The bond amount is set at twice the watercraft’s value, so smaller boats land near the $100 minimum and pricing scales up from there. Enter your amount at the application to see your exact price.

How do I figure out the bond amount?It’s two times the watercraft’s value, as determined by the Secretary of State Vehicle Title Division. Establish value and double it; if you’re not sure, the Secretary of State office can confirm the figure for your boat.

Which form is it, and where do I file?It’s the Vehicle Uniform Surety Bond (form TR-121), filed at a Secretary of State office with your bonded-title application. The bond must be filed within 30 days of issuance.

Is there a credit check?The application collects no credit information. Larger bond amounts may get a quick review, and if a check ever runs it’s a soft pull that never affects your credit score.

What does the bond protect against?It protects the Secretary of State and any previous or future owner against loss if someone proves a superior ownership claim to the watercraft. If a valid claim is paid, you repay the surety — it’s a guarantee, not insurance for you.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

Related bonds

Other Michigan bonds.

Bonded watercraft title, today.

Pricing from $100. Enter your amount and take it to the Secretary of State.

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