How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, boat registration is handled by the PA Fish & Boat Commission and renews every 2 years. The fee is based on boat length — from $26 for the smallest class up to $52 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 | $13.00 | $30.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $19.50 | $30.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $26.00 | $30.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Unpowered boats can register for $22 per 2 years, or use a launch permit ($12/yr or $22/2yr) at Fish & Boat/state park accesses.
Estimate your exact Pennsylvania cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$39 per 2-year cycle$39.00
- Title fee$30.00
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.pa.gov/agencies/dmv.html — last reviewed 2026-07-16.