Vermont Boat Registration Fee Calculator
Registering a boat in Vermont costs $31–$153 per year, based on length. It's handled by the Vermont DMV 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 Vermont sources on 2026-07-16. How we verify fees.
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$49.00
- Title fee$27.00
Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.
Vermont boat registration fees by length (per year)
| Boat length | Registration fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 16 ft | $31 |
| 16–26 ft | $49 |
| 26–40 ft | $80 |
| 40 ft and over | $153 |
Fees shown are the Vermont state schedule, verified 2026-07-16. Use the calculator above for an itemized estimate including title and one-time fees.
Good to know
- Post-Act 62 amounts (fees rose ~20% in 2024); 2-year terms available at roughly 1.9x.
- Vermont began titling motorboats 16 ft+ (15 model years or newer) in 2024.
What determines boat registration cost in Vermont?
- 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 Vermont?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Vermont. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Vermont?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Vermont?
Yes — in Vermont 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 Vermont trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Vermont?
Yes — Vermont issues a boat title for a one-time $27 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 Vermont?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Vermont, usually in the smallest length class. The same Vermont DMV handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Vermont?
Boat registration in Vermont is handled by the Vermont DMV. 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 Vermont calculators
Boat Registration calculators for other states
More Vermont fees
boat registration in nearby states
Official Vermont resources
Estimates here are informational — the state is the only source of an official quote.
Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.