How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in California?
In California, boat registration is handled by the California DMV and renews every 2 years. The fee is a flat $20 per cycle. 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.
Estimate your exact California cost
Your boat
Registration due now
$20.00
Covers 2 years — averages $10.00 per year.
Each renewal (2 years)
- 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. 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.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/registration-fees/ — last reviewed 2026-07-16.