How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Delaware?
Registering a boat in Delaware costs $20–$120 per year, based on length. It's handled by the Delaware DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife 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 | $20.00 | — |
| 20-ft motorboat | $40.00 | — |
| 28-ft motorboat | $60.00 | — |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- A 3-year term is offered at exactly 3× the annual fee (Class A $60 up to Class IV $360).
- Delaware does not title boats.
Delaware: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Delaware?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Delaware. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Delaware?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Delaware?
Yes — in Delaware 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 Delaware trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Delaware?
No — Delaware 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 Delaware?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Delaware, usually in the smallest length class. The same Delaware DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Delaware?
Boat registration in Delaware is handled by the Delaware DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife. 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 Delaware cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$40.00
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.de.gov/Common/DMVFees — last reviewed 2026-07-16.