How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Indiana?
In Indiana, boat registration is handled by the Indiana BMV and renews annually. The fee is a flat $25 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 | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Renewal fee is tiered by the boat's excise class ($15–$60 by original value); a mid-class boat is shown. First registrations use a length fee plus class fee instead.
- An annual boat excise tax ($2–$500 by class and age) is added. Sailboats must register; paddlecraft are exempt.
Estimate your exact Indiana cost
Your boat
- Registration fee$25.00
- Title fee$15.00
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.in.gov/bmv/files/Fee_Chart.pdf · https://www.in.gov/bmv/fees-taxes/vehicle-registration-fees-and-taxes/excise-tax-information/ — last reviewed 2026-07-16.