How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Iowa?
In Iowa, boat registration is handled by the county recorder (Iowa DNR system) and renews every 3 years. The fee is based on boat length — from $28.15 for the smallest class up to $155.65 for the largest per cycle. Unpowered craft such as kayaks, canoes, and sailboats must also register. 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 | $9.38 | $13.50 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $13.88 | $13.50 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $26.88 | $13.50 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | $9.38/yr — registration required | |
- Current 3-year cycle runs May 2025 – April 2028, with prorated fees mid-cycle. PWCs are $50.65 per cycle.
- Canoes/kayaks over 13 ft register at $17.65 per 3 years; 13 ft and under are exempt. Titles apply to boats 17 ft+.
Estimate your exact Iowa cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$41.65 per 3-year cycle$41.64
- Title fee$13.50
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.iowataxandtags.org/vehicle-registration/registration-fees-by-vehicle-type/ — last reviewed 2026-07-16.