How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, boat registration is handled by the MVD (with EMNRD State Parks administering the boating program) and renews every 3 years. The fee is based on boat length — from $60 for the smallest class up to $180 for the largest per cycle. 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 | $20.00 | $10.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $25.00 | $10.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $40.00 | $10.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Fees roughly doubled in 2025 — the first vessel fee increase since 1984; stale schedules still circulate online.
- Sailboats must register; canoes/kayaks are voluntary. Vessels 10 ft+ are titled and owe a 5% boat excise tax at purchase.
Estimate your exact New Mexico cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$75 per 3-year cycle$75.00
- Title fee$10.00
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.dot.nm.gov/blog/2026/06/30/vehicle-registration-fees-weight-distance-tax-to-increase-july-1/ — last reviewed 2026-07-16.