Washington Boat Registration Fee Calculator

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

Annually.

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

Yes — Washington issues a boat title for a one-time $5 fee, generally required for larger or newer motorized vessels (smaller craft are often exempt). The title is separate from the registration fee shown above.

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

Boat registration in Washington is handled by the Washington DOL (county auditors/subagents). 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.