How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Delaware?
In Delaware, boat registration is handled by the Delaware DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife and renews annually. The fee is based on boat length — from $20 for the smallest class up to $120 for the largest per year. 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.
- Delaware does not title boats.
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. 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.de.gov/Common/DMVFees — last reviewed 2026-07-16.