How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Rhode Island?
Registering a boat in Rhode Island costs $37–$636 per 2-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the Rhode Island DEM and renews every 2 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 | $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.
Rhode Island: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Rhode Island?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Rhode Island. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Rhode Island?
Every 2 years — the fee shown covers the full 2-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Rhode Island?
Yes — in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Rhode Island?
No — Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Rhode Island, usually in the smallest length class. The same Rhode Island DEM handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Rhode Island?
Boat registration in Rhode Island is handled by the Rhode Island DEM. 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 2 years before your decal expires.
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.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://dmv.ri.gov/media/561/download · https://dmv.ri.gov/registrations-plates-titles/registration/registration-title-fees — last reviewed 2026-07-21.