How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Iowa?
Registering a boat in Iowa costs $28.15–$155.65 per 3-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the county recorder (Iowa DNR system) and renews every 3 years. 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 January 2025 – December 2027, with prorated fees mid-cycle. PWCs are $50.65 per cycle.
- Non-motorized canoes/kayaks over 13 ft register at $17.65 per 3 years; canoes/kayaks are exempt from titling at any length. Titles apply to motorized boats 17 ft+.
Iowa: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Iowa?
Yes — Iowa requires registration of unpowered craft as well. Adding any motor, including an electric trolling motor, always triggers the requirement.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Iowa?
Every 3 years — the fee shown covers the full 3-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Iowa?
Yes — in Iowa 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 Iowa trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Iowa?
Yes — Iowa issues a boat title for a one-time $13.5 fee, generally required for larger or newer motorized vessels (smaller craft are often exempt). The title is separate from the registration fee shown above.
Do I have to register a jet ski or PWC in Iowa?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Iowa, usually in the smallest length class. The same county recorder (Iowa DNR system) handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Iowa?
Boat registration in Iowa is handled by the county recorder (Iowa DNR system). 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 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.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://www.iowataxandtags.org/vehicle-registration/registration-fees-by-vehicle-type/ — last reviewed 2026-07-16.