How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Connecticut?
Registering a boat in Connecticut costs $7.5–$525 per year, based on length. It's handled by the Connecticut DMV 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 | $30.00 | $25.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $60.00 | $25.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $135.00 | $25.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Connecticut prices per foot ($7.50 under 12 ft up to $525 at 65 ft+) — tiers shown are representative points on the statutory schedule. Pontoons pay a flat $40; small low-power craft $7.50.
- The AIS stamp was unbundled in October 2024: buy it separately from DEEP ($7 individual or $25 vessel decal) for inland waters.
- Titles apply to motorized vessels model year 2017 and newer.
Connecticut: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Connecticut?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Connecticut. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Connecticut?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Connecticut?
Yes — in Connecticut 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 Connecticut trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Connecticut?
Yes — Connecticut issues a boat title for a one-time $25 fee, generally required for larger or newer motorized vessels (smaller craft are often exempt). The title is separate from the registration fee shown above.
Do I have to register a jet ski or PWC in Connecticut?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Connecticut, usually in the smallest length class. The same Connecticut DMV handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Connecticut?
Boat registration in Connecticut is handled by the Connecticut 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 year before your decal expires.
Estimate your exact Connecticut cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$60.00
- Title fee$25.00
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://portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/dmv-fees · https://portal.ct.gov/opm/igpp/publications/mill-rates — last reviewed 2026-07-21.