How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, boat registration is handled by the New Hampshire DMV (town clerks/agents) and renews annually. The fee is based on boat length — from $24 for the smallest class up to $92 for the largest per year. 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 | $24.00 | — |
| 20-ft motorboat | $34.00 | — |
| 28-ft motorboat | $52.00 | — |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Base tiers per the statute amended January 2025. Add roughly $20 in surcharges (lake restoration $9.50, boat access $5, agent fee $5, search & rescue $1) plus a value-based in-lieu fee that scales with hull type, length, and age ($10 minimum).
- New Hampshire does not title boats; only motorized vessels register.
Estimate your exact New Hampshire cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$34.00
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://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXI/261/261-153.htm · https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXI/261/261-141-c.htm — last reviewed 2026-07-16.