How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Georgia?
Registering a boat in Georgia costs $35–$210 per 3-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the Georgia DNR and renews every 3 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 | $11.67 | — |
| 20-ft motorboat | $23.33 | — |
| 28-ft motorboat | $46.67 | — |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- A $10 transaction fee applies to every application.
- Georgia issues a free electronic vessel title with registration (paper copy $10). Sailboats over 12 ft must register; paddlecraft are exempt.
Georgia: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Georgia?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Georgia. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Georgia?
Every 3 years — the fee shown covers the full 3-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Georgia?
Yes — in Georgia 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 Georgia trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Georgia?
No — Georgia 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 Georgia?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Georgia, usually in the smallest length class. The same Georgia DNR handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Georgia?
Boat registration in Georgia is handled by the Georgia DNR. 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 3 years before your decal expires.
Estimate your exact Georgia cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$70 per 3-year cycle$69.99
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://dor.georgia.gov/alternative-fuel-and-low-speed-vehicles-annual-licensing-fees-july-2026 — last reviewed 2026-07-16.