RegistryFee

Indiana Boat Registration Fee Calculator

Registering a boat in Indiana costs a flat $25 per year. It's handled by the Indiana BMV and renews annually. 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 Indiana sources on 2026-07-16. How we verify fees.

Your boat

Estimated annual cost
$25.00/ year
  • Registration fee
    $25.00
One-time fees (first registration)
  • Title fee
    $15.00
One-time total: $15.00

Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.

Good to know

  • Renewal fee is tiered by the boat's excise class ($15–$60 by original value); a mid-class boat is shown. First registrations use a length fee plus class fee instead.
  • An annual boat excise tax ($2–$500 by class and age) is added. Sailboats must register; paddlecraft are exempt.

What determines boat registration cost in Indiana?

  • Flat fee regardless of size
  • Motorized vs. non-motorized
  • New registration vs. renewal (title/transfer fees apply once)

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Indiana?

Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Indiana. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.

How often do I renew a boat registration in Indiana?

Annually.

Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Indiana?

Yes — in Indiana 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 Indiana trailer registration calculator for that cost.

Do I need a title for my boat in Indiana?

Yes — Indiana issues a boat title for a one-time $15 fee, generally required for larger or newer motorized vessels (smaller craft are often exempt). The title is separate from the registration fee shown above.

Do I have to register a jet ski or PWC in Indiana?

Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Indiana, usually in the smallest length class. The same Indiana BMV handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.

Where do I register a boat in Indiana?

Boat registration in Indiana is handled by the Indiana BMV. 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 year before your decal expires.

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Boat Registration calculators for other states

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boat registration in nearby states

Illinois →Michigan →Ohio →Kentucky →

Official Indiana resources

Estimates here are informational — the state is the only source of an official quote.

Indiana BMV ↗☎ (888) 692-6841in.gov — fee source ↗

Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.