How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, boat registration is handled by the Minnesota DNR and renews every 3 years. The fee is based on boat length — from $67 for the smallest class up to $277 for the largest per cycle. 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 | $22.33 | $22.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $52.33 | $22.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $73.33 | $22.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | $22.33/yr — registration required | |
- All-in renewal totals (base fee + tiered AIS surcharge + issuing fee) under the December 2023 restructure — fees rose 35–70%. PWCs run about $116 per cycle.
- Watercraft over 10 ft must register, including canoes/kayaks (about $54 all-in per 3 years). Boats over 16 ft are titled.
Estimate your exact Minnesota cost
Your boat
Registration due now
$93.99
Covers 3 years — averages $31.33 per year.
Each renewal (3 years)
- Registration fee (by length)$94 per 3-year cycle$93.99
One-time fees (first registration)
- Title fee$22.00
One-time total: $22.00
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://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/168.013 — last reviewed 2026-07-16.