How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Arizona?
Registering a boat in Arizona costs $20–$66 per year, based on length. It's handled by the Arizona Game & Fish Department 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.
Cost by boat size
| Boat | Per year | One-time (title etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| 14-ft motorboat | $22.00 | — |
| 20-ft motorboat | $30.00 | — |
| 28-ft motorboat | $39.00 | — |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Nonresidents pay a substantial Boating Safety Infrastructure Fee on top — totals run $100–$495 by length.
- Arizona does not title boats.
Arizona: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Arizona?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Arizona. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Arizona?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Arizona?
Yes — in Arizona 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 Arizona trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Arizona?
No — Arizona 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 Arizona?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Arizona, usually in the smallest length class. The same Arizona Game & Fish Department handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Arizona?
Boat registration in Arizona is handled by the Arizona Game & Fish Department. 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.
Estimate your exact Arizona 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.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/vehicle-services/vehicle-fees-taxes — last reviewed 2026-07-16.