Arkansas Boat Registration Fee Calculator
Registering a boat in Arkansas costs $7.5–$105 per 3-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration and renews every 3 years. Non-motorized craft like kayaks and canoes are generally exempt (check local rules for sailboats). Boats with motors — including trolling motors on otherwise unpowered craft — almost always require registration.
Verified against official Arkansas sources on 2026-07-16. How we verify fees.
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$15 per 3-year cycle$15.00
Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.
Arkansas boat registration fees by length (per 3-year cycle)
| Boat length | Registration fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 16 ft | $7.5 |
| 16–26 ft | $15 |
| 26–40 ft | $51 |
| 40 ft and over | $105 |
Fees shown are the Arkansas state schedule, verified 2026-07-16. Use the calculator above for an itemized estimate including title and one-time fees.
Good to know
- Arkansas does not title boats — the Certificate of Number is the ownership record.
What determines boat registration cost in Arkansas?
- Boat length (fee tiers)
- Motorized vs. non-motorized
- 3-year registration cycle
- New registration vs. renewal (title/transfer fees apply once)
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Arkansas?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Arkansas. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Arkansas?
Every 3 years — the fee shown covers the full 3-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Arkansas?
Yes — in Arkansas the boat and the trailer are two separate registrations. The boat's fee is above; the trailer registers as a utility trailer with the motor-vehicle agency, priced by the trailer's weight (often a low flat fee or a one-time permanent plate). See our Arkansas trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Arkansas?
No — Arkansas does not title boats. Your Certificate of Number (the registration) serves as the ownership record, so there's no separate title fee.
Do I have to register a jet ski or PWC in Arkansas?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Arkansas, usually in the smallest length class. The same Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Arkansas?
Boat registration in Arkansas is handled by the Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration. You can generally register in person, by mail, or online, and you'll need proof of ownership (a bill of sale or title) plus the fee shown above. Renew every 3 years before your decal expires.
More Arkansas calculators
Boat Registration calculators for other states
More Arkansas fees
boat registration in nearby states
Official Arkansas resources
Estimates here are informational — the state is the only source of an official quote.
Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.