How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Missouri?
Registering a boat in Missouri costs $25–$150 per 3-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the Missouri Department of Revenue 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 | $8.33 | $7.50 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $18.33 | $7.50 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $33.33 | $7.50 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Add a $9 processing fee per transaction; outboard motors title/register separately ($5 + $2 + processing).
- Paddle/oar craft of any length and sailboats 12 ft and under are exempt. All registrations expire June 30 of the decal year.
Missouri: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Missouri?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Missouri. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Missouri?
Every 3 years — the fee shown covers the full 3-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Missouri?
Yes — in Missouri 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 Missouri trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Missouri?
Yes — Missouri issues a boat title for a one-time $7.5 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 Missouri?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Missouri, usually in the smallest length class. The same Missouri Department of Revenue handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Missouri?
Boat registration in Missouri is handled by the Missouri Department of Revenue. 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 Missouri cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$55 per 3-year cycle$54.99
- Title fee$7.50
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://dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/titling-registration/fees.html · https://auditor.mo.gov/TaxRates — last reviewed 2026-07-21.