How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in New York?
In New York, boat registration is handled by the New York DMV and renews every 3 years. The fee is based on boat length — from $22.5 for the smallest class up to $75 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 | $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 | |
- The boating-safety surcharge was rescinded (refunds retroactive to April 2022) — current fees are the base amounts only.
- Titles apply to 1987-and-newer boats 14 ft and over.
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. 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://dmv.ny.gov/registration/passenger-vehicle-registration-fees-use-taxes-and-supplemental-fees — last reviewed 2026-07-16.