How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in California?
Registering a boat in California costs a flat $20 per 2-year cycle. It's handled by the California DMV and renews every 2 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 | $10.00 | — |
| 20-ft motorboat | $10.00 | — |
| 28-ft motorboat | $10.00 | — |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Renewal is $20 per 2 years, expiring Dec 31 of odd years; original registration is $29 (even-year purchase) or $49 (odd-year).
- Freshwater-used vessels add a $16 quagga/zebra mussel fee per renewal; county personal property tax applies separately.
California: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in California?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in California. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in California?
Every 2 years — the fee shown covers the full 2-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in California?
Yes — in California 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 California trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in California?
No — California 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 California?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in California, usually in the smallest length class. The same California DMV handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in California?
Boat registration in California is handled by the California 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 2 years before your decal expires.
Estimate your exact California cost
Your boat
- Registration fee$20 per 2-year cycle$20.00
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.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/registration-fees/ — last reviewed 2026-07-16.