RegistryFee

Maryland Boat Registration Fee Calculator

Registering a boat in Maryland costs a flat $70 per 2-year cycle. It's handled by the Maryland DNR and renews every 2 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 Maryland sources on 2026-07-16. How we verify fees.

Your boat

Registration due now
$70.00
Covers 2 years — averages $35.00 per year.
Each renewal (2 years)
  • Registration fee
    $70 per 2-year cycle
    $70.00
One-time fees (first registration)
  • Title fee
    $20.00
One-time total: $20.00

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

  • Registration nearly tripled to $70 per 2 years and the title rose to $20 in October 2025.
  • 5% vessel excise tax at purchase (capped at $16,100 from July 2026). Non-motorized craft may register voluntarily ($12/2yr decal).

What determines boat registration cost in Maryland?

  • Flat fee regardless of size
  • Motorized vs. non-motorized
  • 2-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 Maryland?

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

How often do I renew a boat registration in Maryland?

Every 2 years — the fee shown covers the full 2-year period.

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

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

Do I need a title for my boat in Maryland?

Yes — Maryland issues a boat title for a one-time $20 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 Maryland?

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

Where do I register a boat in Maryland?

Boat registration in Maryland is handled by the Maryland DNR. 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 2 years before your decal expires.

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Boat Registration calculators for other states

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boat registration in nearby states

Virginia →West Virginia →Pennsylvania →Delaware →

Official Maryland resources

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

Maryland MVA ↗☎ (410) 768-7000dnr.maryland.gov — fee source ↗

Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.