Compare confirmed starting registration fees, title charges, tax notes, and renewal periods by state. Rows that still need agency review are marked Confirm instead of showing exact totals.
In the current confirmed rows, listed registration totals range from $3 to $620before local, county, tax, or file-specific charges. States awaiting agency confirmation are marked as confirmation rows instead of exact fee rows.
These state fee answers cover common cost and calculator tasks. Confirmed states can open a state-preselected calculator; states awaiting confirmation link to the general calculator.
California DMV separates the vessel fee from the Mussel Fee sticker: $29 original vessel fee, $20 biennial renewal, $15 transfer, and a separate Mussel Fee sticker for freshwater vessels unless exempt. Use tax and local or file-specific items can still change the final amount due.
Michigan SOS lists 3-year watercraft registration that expires March 31 of the third year. Common motorboat classes shown here start at $14, but pontoon, commercial, passenger, and certain nonmotorized classes should be confirmed against the full SOS fee table.
For PA boat registration cost, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission fee totals range from $22 to $52 by vessel class in the confirmed state guide. Use the state page for the PFBC renewal cycle, title fee, and agency path.
Washington boat registration cost starts with a base boat-registration amount, then annual watercraft excise tax, title, office, lien, sales/use tax, and transaction-specific items can change the final DOL total.
Minnesota DNR 2026 totals include the 3-year fee, invasive species surcharge, ELS fee, and filing fee. Use the state page for the title, transfer, renewal, and operator-permit details.
Maine IF&W lists inland-water motorboat registration by horsepower. Maine-registered boats include the Lake and River Protection sticker with the watercraft registration, while non-Maine boats use a separate sticker path.
For TN boat registration cost, Tennessee TWRA lists 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year registration options by vessel length. The table below uses the 1-year totals from the confirmed state guide.
Listed totals range from $20 to $100, depending on the fee class and additional state charges shown in the state data.
Listed totals range from $66 to $296, depending on the fee class and additional state charges shown in the state data.
Listed totals range from $10 to $75, depending on the fee class and additional state charges shown in the state data.
Listed totals range from $60 to $180, depending on the fee class and additional state charges shown in the state data.
Use this page for comparison and fee explanations. Use the calculator when your state and vessel details are ready.
Start on this cost hub when comparing boat registration fees across states, then open the calculator when you have a state and vessel length.
Boat registration fee calculatorUse the table below to separate base registration fees from title fees, registration periods, sales tax, and state-specific surcharges.
Compare state feesSales or use tax can be separate from registration fees. Use the sales-tax guide before estimating a purchase or transfer total.
Boat sales tax by stateUse the PWC cost page when the vehicle is a jet ski or personal watercraft and the question is cross-state fee comparison.
Jet ski cost by stateCheck the jet ski cost guide for PWC fee ranges, then use the PWC guide when title, decals, trailer, or operator rules change the workflow.
PWC cost guideUse the PWC guide when the question is renewal paperwork, decals, title proof, trailer paperwork, or operator rules rather than fee comparison.
PWC workflow guideOpen California preselected when you need a calculator estimate after checking DMV vessel, renewal, transfer, and Mussel Fee sticker items.
California calculatorUse the California state fee section for DMV vessel fees, renewal, transfer, and Mussel Fee sticker handling before comparing with other states.
California fee detailsUse the Minnesota state fee section to verify the current DNR fee data, listed AIS surcharge, issuing fee, and registration cycle before acting.
Minnesota fee detailsUse the Michigan state fee section for SOS motorboat classes, the March 31 renewal cycle, title rules, and special-category fee notes.
Michigan fee detailsUse the Tennessee state fee section for TWRA length classes and 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year registration choices.
Tennessee fee detailsUse the Maine state fee section for IF&W horsepower classes, annual renewal, and Lake and River Protection sticker notes.
Maine fee detailsUse the Pennsylvania state fee section for PFBC vessel classes, biennial renewal, title fee, and official agency path.
Pennsylvania fee details| State | Min Fee | Max Fee | Period | Title Required | Title Fee | Sales Tax | Online | Estimate | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ALAlabama | $18.00 | $98.00 | Annual registration cycle; confirm the current renewal month on the Alabama record | Yes | $25.00 | Confirm by transaction | Calculator | View | |
AKAlaska | $24.00 | $75.00 | 3 years | Yes | $20.00 | None | Calculator | View | |
AZArizona | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Calculator | View |
ARArkansas | $7.50 | $105.00 | 3 years | Yes | - | 6.5% state starting point | Calculator | View | |
CACalifornia | $29.00 | $15.00 | 2 years (biennial; expires December 31 of odd-numbered years) | Yes | - | 7.25% | Calculator | View | |
COColorado | $36.25 | $76.25 | 1 year (calendar year, January 1 to December 31) | No | - | 2.9% | Calculator | View | |
CTConnecticut | $7.50 | $525.00 | 1 year (expires April 30 of the following year) | Yes | $25.00 | 2.99% vessel rate | Calculator | View | |
DEDelaware | $20.00 | $120.00 | 1 year or 3 years; renewals open October 1 | No | - | No state sales tax | Calculator | View | |
FLFlorida | $5.50 | $189.75 | 1 or 2 years (owner's choice) | Yes | $5.25 | 6% (max $18,000 tax) | Calculator | View | |
GAGeorgia | $35.00 | $210.00 | 3 years (expires the last day of the owner's birth month in the third year) | Yes | - | Confirm by transaction | Calculator | View | |
HIHawaii | $20.00 | $35.00 | 1 year (annual renewal) | Yes | $20.00 | No sales tax; confirm GET/use tax | Calculator | View | |
IDIdaho | $30.00 | $66.00 | 1 year (calendar year, expires December 31) | Yes | $14.00 | 6% + exemptions | Calculator | View | |
ILIllinois | $28.00 | $210.00 | 3 years, expiring September 30 | Yes | - | Tax proof varies | Calculator | View | |
INIndiana | $15.00 | $24.00 | 1 year (annual renewal) | Yes | $15.00 | 7% | Calculator | View | |
IAIowa | $28.15 | $155.65 | 3 years (May 1-April 30 cycle; current cycle through April 30, 2028) | Yes | $13.50 | 6% + local | - | Calculator | View |
KSKansas | $42.50 | $42.50 | 3 years | No | - | 6.5% | Calculator | View | |
KYKentucky | $22.20 | $68.71 | 1 year; Kentucky boat registrations expire April 30 each year | Yes | $9.00 | 6% + county items | Calculator | View | |
LALouisiana | $36.00 | $99.00 | 3 years | Yes | $26.00 | State + local | Calculator | View | |
MEMaine | $40.00 | $59.00 | 1 year (calendar year, expires December 31) | No | - | 5.5% | Calculator | View | |
MDMaryland | $70.00 | $12.00 | 2 years | Yes | $20.00 | 5% (max $16,100) | Calculator | View | |
MAMassachusetts | $44.00 | $110.00 | 2 years (biennial) | Yes | $27.50 | 6.25% | - | Calculator | View |
MIMichigan | $14.00 | $448.00 | 3 years; expires March 31 of the third year | Yes | $5.00 | 6% | Calculator | View | |
MNMinnesota | $36.00 | $209.00 | 3 calendar years | Yes | $22.00 | 6.875% | Calculator | View | |
MSMississippi | $10.99 | $48.49 | 3 years (from date of application) | No | $13.49 | 7% | Calculator | View | |
MOMissouri | $25.00 | $150.00 | 3 years (triennial registration) | Yes | $7.50 | 4.225% | Calculator | View | |
MTMontana | $65.50 | $295.50 | Permanent registration | Yes | $10.00 | None | - | Calculator | View |
NENebraska | $32.00 | $124.00 | 3 years (expires December 31 of the third year) | Yes | $10.00 | 5.5% | Calculator | View | |
NVNevada | $20.00 | $100.00 | 1 year (expires December 31) | Yes | $20.00 | Confirm by sale type | Calculator | View | |
NHNew Hampshire | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Calculator | View |
NJNew Jersey | $12.00 | $250.00 | 2 years | Yes | $60.00 | 6.625% | Calculator | View | |
NMNew Mexico | $60.00 | $180.00 | 3 years (expires December 31 of the third year) | Yes | $10.00 | 5% excise tax | Calculator | View | |
NYNew York | $22.50 | $75.00 | 3 years | Yes | $50.00 | Confirm by county/form | Calculator | View | |
NCNorth Carolina | $34.00 | $154.00 | 1 or 3 years (owner's choice) | Yes | $36.00 | 3% (cap $1,500) | Calculator | View | |
NDNorth Dakota | $30.00 | $60.00 | 3 years (current cycle: 2026–2028) | No | - | Confirm by sale type | Calculator | View | |
OHOhio | $33.00 | $93.00 | 3 years (expires March 1) | Yes | $15.00 | State + local | Calculator | View | |
OKOklahoma | $52.25 | $151.00 | 1 year or 3 years, expiring at the end of June with renewal tied to July 1 | Yes | $2.25 | Excise tax varies | Calculator | View | |
OROregon | $95.20 | $178.50 | 2 years (biennial calendar basis, expires December 31) | Yes | $75.00 | No general sales tax | Calculator | View | |
PAPennsylvania | $22.00 | $52.00 | 2 years (expires December 31 of the second year) | Yes | $30.00 | 6% | Calculator | View | |
RIRhode Island | $32.00 | $620.00 | 2 years (biennial, March 1 to last day of February) | Yes | $25.00 | No boat sales tax; motor caveat | Calculator | View | |
SCSouth Carolina | $20.00 | $20.00 | 1 year (included with county property tax) | Yes | $20.00 | 5% (cap $500) | Calculator | View | |
SDSouth Dakota | $18.00 | $55.00 | 1 year (annual renewal) | Yes | $10.00 | 3% large-boat excise | Calculator | View | |
TNTennessee | $18.00 | $72.00 | 1, 2, or 3 years (owner's choice at time of registration) | No | - | 7% | Calculator | View | |
TXTexas | $32.00 | $150.00 | 2 years | Yes | $27.00 | 6.25% (cap $18,750) | Calculator | View | |
UTUtah | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Confirm | Calculator | View |
VTVermont | $31.00 | $153.00 | 1 year or 2 years (owner's choice) | Yes | $27.00 | Confirm 6% basis | Calculator | View | |
VAVirginia | $32.00 | $50.00 | 3 years (triennial registration) | Yes | $10.00 | 2% (max $2,000) | Calculator | View | |
WAWashington | $10.50 | $10.50 | 1 year (all boat decals/registrations expire June 30) | Yes | $5.00 | 6.5% | Calculator | View | |
WVWest Virginia | $30.00 | $75.00 | 3 years (expires March 31) | Yes | $15.00 | 6% | Calculator | View | |
WIWisconsin | $22.00 | $100.00 | 3 years (April 1 through March 31 of the third year) | Yes | $5.00 | 5% + local | Calculator | View | |
WYWyoming | $30.00 | $80.00 | 1 year or 3 years (owner's choice) | Yes | $15.00 | 4% | Calculator | View |
7 confirmed states do not require boat titles; keep the registration record and accepted ownership documents together:
States offer different registration periods, affecting the annualized cost:
Among confirmed rows, Florida has the lowest listed starting registration fee at $5.50. Total costs still depend on vessel class, title requirements, tax, and local or file-specific charges.
Among confirmed rows, Oregon has the highest listed starting registration fee at $95.20 for the smallest class. Larger vessels and special categories can cost more.
No. In confirmed rows, 7 states do not require boat titles: Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Dakota, Tennessee. In no-title states, registration records and ownership documents such as a bill of sale become especially important; confirm the accepted proof before transfer.
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island show no state sales tax in confirmed rows, but local taxes, excise taxes, use tax, or purchase-specific rules can still apply.
It varies by state. Confirmed rows show annual, biennial, and multi-year registration periods. Rows awaiting source confirmation should be checked with the agency before relying on a renewal cycle.
Get detailed registration steps, required documents, and agency source links for your state.
Send the state and registration situation you want help organizing. We do not process registrations or issue decals.
