How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in New York?
Registering a boat in New York costs $22.5–$75 per 3-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the New York DMV 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 | $7.50 | $50.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $15.00 | $50.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $25.00 | $50.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- A Brianna's Law boating-safety surcharge is added at registration: $3.75 (under 16 ft) or $12.50 (16 ft and over), on top of the base fees shown.
- Titles apply to 1987-and-newer boats 14 ft and over.
New York: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in New York?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in New York. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in New York?
Every 3 years — the fee shown covers the full 3-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in New York?
Yes — in New York 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 New York trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in New York?
Yes — New York issues a boat title for a one-time $50 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 New York?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in New York, usually in the smallest length class. The same New York DMV handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in New York?
Boat registration in New York is handled by the New York DMV. 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 New York cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$45 per 3-year cycle$45.00
- Title fee$50.00
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://dmv.ny.gov/registration/passenger-vehicle-registration-fees-use-taxes-and-supplemental-fees · https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv202.pdf — last reviewed 2026-07-21.