How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Massachusetts?
Registering a boat in Massachusetts costs $44–$110 per 2-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the Massachusetts Environmental Police and renews every 2 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 | $22.00 | $27.50 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $33.00 | $27.50 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $44.00 | $27.50 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Boats 14 ft+ used with a motor are titled ($27.50 one-time).
- Boater-education proof is required for all motorboat/PWC operators starting April 2026.
Massachusetts: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Massachusetts?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Massachusetts. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Massachusetts?
Every 2 years — the fee shown covers the full 2-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Massachusetts?
Yes — in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Massachusetts?
Yes — Massachusetts issues a boat title for a one-time $27.5 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 Massachusetts?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Massachusetts, usually in the smallest length class. The same Massachusetts Environmental Police handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Massachusetts?
Boat registration in Massachusetts is handled by the Massachusetts Environmental Police. 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 2 years before your decal expires.
Estimate your exact Massachusetts cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$66 per 2-year cycle$66.00
- Title fee$27.50
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.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-motor-vehicle-excise · https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles-fees — last reviewed 2026-07-21.