How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, boat registration is handled by the county clerk (fees set by KY Fish & Wildlife) and renews annually. The fee is based on boat length — from $31 for the smallest class up to $75 for the largest 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 | $31.00 | $9.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $50.00 | $9.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $60.00 | $9.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Fees rose with the January 2026 CPI adjustment and will re-adjust every two years.
- Trolling-motor-only craft pay $20; inboards/I-Os pay $53. County ad valorem property tax on the boat is collected at renewal.
Estimate your exact Kentucky cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$50.00
- Title fee$9.00
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://drive.ky.gov/Pages/EV-HV-Fee.aspx · https://revenue.ky.gov/Property/Motor-Vehicles/Pages/default.aspx — last reviewed 2026-07-16.