How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Louisiana?
Registering a boat in Louisiana costs $36–$99 per 3-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries and renews every 3 years. 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 | $12.00 | $26.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $19.00 | $26.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $26.00 | $26.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Sailboats 12 ft+ and non-motorized houseboats must also register; kayaks/canoes are exempt.
Louisiana: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Louisiana?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Louisiana. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Louisiana?
Every 3 years — the fee shown covers the full 3-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Louisiana?
Yes — in Louisiana 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 Louisiana trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Louisiana?
Yes — Louisiana issues a boat title for a one-time $26 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 Louisiana?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Louisiana, usually in the smallest length class. The same Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Louisiana?
Boat registration in Louisiana is handled by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. 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 Louisiana cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$57 per 3-year cycle$57.00
- Title fee$26.00
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.expresslane.la.gov/omv/vehicles/vehicle-registration-title-plate-fees/ — last reviewed 2026-07-21.