How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, boat registration is handled by the Rhode Island DEM and renews every 2 years. The fee is based on boat length — from $37 for the smallest class up to $636 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 | $18.50 | — |
| 20-ft motorboat | $23.50 | — |
| 28-ft motorboat | $57.00 | — |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- New 2026–2028 biennial schedule including the length-based Environmental Access Fee.
- All boats over 12 ft must register regardless of propulsion; boats over 14 ft are titled.
Estimate your exact Rhode Island cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$47 per 2-year cycle$47.00
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.ri.gov/registrations-plates-titles/registration/registration-title-fees · https://dmv.ri.gov/node/1741 — last reviewed 2026-07-16.