How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in North Carolina?
Registering a boat in North Carolina costs $34–$54 per year, based on length. It's handled by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and renews annually. 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 | $34.00 | — |
| 20-ft motorboat | $34.00 | — |
| 28-ft motorboat | $54.00 | — |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- 1-year renewal shown; 3-year terms are $94 (under 26 ft) / $154 (26 ft+).
- New registrations that include titling run $71–$191 (title is bundled into the with-title rate, not a separate fee). Vessels 14 ft+ and PWCs must be titled.
North Carolina: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in North Carolina?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in North Carolina. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in North Carolina?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in North Carolina?
Yes — in North Carolina 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 North Carolina trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in North Carolina?
No — North Carolina does not title boats. Your Certificate of Number (the registration) serves as the ownership record, so there's no separate title fee.
Do I have to register a jet ski or PWC in North Carolina?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in North Carolina, usually in the smallest length class. The same NC Wildlife Resources Commission handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in North Carolina?
Boat registration in North Carolina is handled by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. 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 year before your decal expires.
Estimate your exact North Carolina 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.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/Pages/vehicle-property-tax.aspx · https://www.ncdor.gov/2025-2026-county-tax-rates-finalpdf/open — last reviewed 2026-07-21.