How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Kentucky?
Registering a boat in Kentucky costs $32.2–$78.71 per year, based on length. It's handled by the county clerk (fees set by KY Fish & Wildlife) and renews annually. 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 | $32.20 | $9.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $52.28 | $9.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $62.85 | $9.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Totals reflect the March 2026 CPI adjustment (incl. $6 county clerk, $1 safety, $3 KYTC fees); fees re-adjust every two years.
- Trolling-motor-only craft pay less; inboards/I-Os pay more. County ad valorem property tax on the boat is collected at renewal.
Kentucky: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Kentucky?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Kentucky. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Kentucky?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Kentucky?
Yes — in Kentucky 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 Kentucky trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Kentucky?
Yes — Kentucky issues a boat title for a one-time $9 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 Kentucky?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Kentucky, usually in the smallest length class. The same county clerk (fees set by KY Fish & Wildlife) handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Kentucky?
Boat registration in Kentucky is handled by the county clerk (fees set by KY Fish & Wildlife). 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 year before your decal expires.
Estimate your exact Kentucky cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$52.28
- 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://revenue.ky.gov/Property/Motor-Vehicles/Pages/default.aspx · https://drive.ky.gov/motor-vehicle-licensing/Pages/Vehicle-Registration.aspx — last reviewed 2026-07-21.