How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Alabama?
In Alabama, boat registration is handled by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (Marine Patrol), issued at county license offices and renews annually. The fee is based on boat length — from $25 for the smallest class up to $100 for the largest per year. 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.
Cost by boat size
| Boat | Per year | One-time (title etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| 14-ft motorboat | $25.00 | — |
| 20-ft motorboat | $30.00 | — |
| 28-ft motorboat | $80.00 | — |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Totals include the $2 issuance and $5 additional registration fees.
- Alabama began titling vessels in 2024 ($20 title) — mandatory only for boats built after 2023.
Estimate your exact Alabama cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$30.00
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.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/tax-types/motor-vehicle-registration-fees/ — last reviewed 2026-07-16.