Kentucky Boat Registration Fee Calculator
Registering a boat in Kentucky costs $32.2–$78.71 per year, based on length. It's handled by the county clerk (fees set by KY Fish & Wildlife) 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 Kentucky sources on 2026-07-16. How we verify fees.
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$52.28
- Title fee$9.00
Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-16. This state's full local formula is not yet implemented; see the notes below the calculator.
Kentucky boat registration fees by length (per year)
| Boat length | Registration fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 16 ft | $32.2 |
| 16–26 ft | $52.28 |
| 26–40 ft | $62.85 |
| 40 ft and over | $78.71 |
Fees shown are the Kentucky state schedule, verified 2026-07-16. Use the calculator above for an itemized estimate including title and one-time fees.
Good to know
- Totals reflect the March 2026 CPI adjustment (incl. $6 county clerk, $1 safety, $3 KYTC fees); fees re-adjust every two years.
- Trolling-motor-only craft pay less; inboards/I-Os pay more. County ad valorem property tax on the boat is collected at renewal.
What determines boat registration cost in Kentucky?
- Boat length (fee tiers)
- 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 Kentucky?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Kentucky. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Kentucky?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Kentucky?
Yes — in Kentucky 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 Kentucky trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Kentucky?
Yes — Kentucky issues a boat title for a one-time $9 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 Kentucky?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Kentucky, usually in the smallest length class. The same county clerk (fees set by KY Fish & Wildlife) handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Kentucky?
Boat registration in Kentucky is handled by the county clerk (fees set by KY Fish & Wildlife). 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.
More Kentucky calculators
Boat Registration calculators for other states
More Kentucky fees
boat registration in nearby states
Official Kentucky resources
Estimates here are informational — the state is the only source of an official quote.
Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.