How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in North Dakota?
Registering a boat in North Dakota costs $30–$60 per 3-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the North Dakota Game & Fish Department 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 | $10.00 | — |
| 20-ft motorboat | $15.00 | — |
| 28-ft motorboat | $20.00 | — |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Fees rose for the 2026–2028 cycle ($30/$45/$60); a $15 aquatic nuisance species fee is added per cycle.
- All ND registrations expire together Dec 31, 2028 — fees prorate monthly mid-cycle.
- North Dakota does not title watercraft; canoe/kayak registration is optional ($30 if elected).
North Dakota: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in North Dakota?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in North Dakota. 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 Dakota?
Every 3 years — the fee shown covers the full 3-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in North Dakota?
Yes — in North Dakota 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 Dakota trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in North Dakota?
No — North Dakota 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 Dakota?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in North Dakota, usually in the smallest length class. The same North Dakota Game & Fish Department handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in North Dakota?
Boat registration in North Dakota is handled by the North Dakota Game & Fish Department. 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 North Dakota cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$45 per 3-year cycle$45.00
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.dot.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/Motor%20Vehicle%20Services/mvd-2-passenger-fee-2026.pdf — last reviewed 2026-07-21.