How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Illinois?
In Illinois, boat registration is handled by the Illinois DNR and renews every 3 years. The fee is based on boat length — from $18 for the smallest class up to $200 for the largest 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 | $6.00 | — |
| 20-ft motorboat | $16.67 | — |
| 28-ft motorboat | $50.00 | — |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Renewal rates shown; new registrations/transfers run $28/$60/$160/$210 plus a $2 processing fee. Motorized canoes and kayaks fall in the smallest class.
- Unpowered craft need nothing — the old Water Usage Stamp was repealed in 2018. Titling is optional under 22 ft.
Estimate your exact Illinois cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$50 per 3-year cycle$50.01
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.ilsos.gov/departments/vehicles/basicfees.html — last reviewed 2026-07-16.