How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Arkansas?
Registering a boat in Arkansas costs $7.5–$105 per 3-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration and renews every 3 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.
Cost by boat size
| Boat | Per year | One-time (title etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| 14-ft motorboat | $2.50 | — |
| 20-ft motorboat | $5.00 | — |
| 28-ft motorboat | $17.00 | — |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Arkansas does not title boats — the Certificate of Number is the ownership record.
Arkansas: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Arkansas?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Arkansas. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Arkansas?
Every 3 years — the fee shown covers the full 3-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Arkansas?
Yes — in Arkansas 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 Arkansas trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Arkansas?
No — Arkansas 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 Arkansas?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Arkansas, usually in the smallest length class. The same Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Arkansas?
Boat registration in Arkansas is handled by the Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration. 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 3 years before your decal expires.
Estimate your exact Arkansas cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$15 per 3-year cycle$15.00
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://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/mydmv-service/registration-fee-schedule/ — last reviewed 2026-07-21.