Rhode Island Boat Registration Fee Calculator
Registering a boat in Rhode Island costs $37–$636 per 2-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the Rhode Island DEM 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 Rhode Island sources on 2026-07-16. How we verify fees.
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$47 per 2-year cycle$47.00
Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.
Rhode Island boat registration fees by length (per 2-year cycle)
| Boat length | Registration fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 15 ft | $37 |
| 15–20 ft | $47 |
| 20–25 ft | $71 |
| 25–30 ft | $114 |
| 30–35 ft | $219 |
| 35–40 ft | $273 |
| 40–45 ft | $326 |
| 45–50 ft | $430 |
| 50 ft and over | $636 |
Fees shown are the Rhode Island state schedule, verified 2026-07-16. Use the calculator above for an itemized estimate including title and one-time fees.
Good to know
- New 2026–2028 biennial schedule including the length-based Environmental Access Fee.
- All boats over 12 ft must register regardless of propulsion; boats over 14 ft are titled.
What determines boat registration cost in Rhode Island?
- Boat length (fee tiers)
- 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 Rhode Island?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Rhode Island. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Rhode Island?
Every 2 years — the fee shown covers the full 2-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Rhode Island?
Yes — in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Rhode Island?
No — Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Rhode Island, usually in the smallest length class. The same Rhode Island DEM handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Rhode Island?
Boat registration in Rhode Island is handled by the Rhode Island DEM. 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.
More Rhode Island calculators
Boat Registration calculators for other states
More Rhode Island fees
boat registration in nearby states
Official Rhode Island resources
Estimates here are informational — the state is the only source of an official quote.
Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.