How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Texas?
Registering a boat in Texas costs $32–$150 per 2-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the Texas Parks & Wildlife 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 | $16.00 | $27.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $26.50 | $27.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $55.00 | $27.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Sailboats 14 ft+ must register and title; other non-motorized craft are exempt.
Texas: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Texas?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Texas. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Texas?
Every 2 years — the fee shown covers the full 2-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Texas?
Yes — in Texas 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 Texas trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Texas?
Yes — Texas issues a boat title for a one-time $27 fee, generally required for larger or newer motorized vessels (smaller craft are often exempt). The title is separate from the registration fee shown above.
Do I have to register a jet ski or PWC in Texas?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Texas, usually in the smallest length class. The same Texas Parks & Wildlife handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Texas?
Boat registration in Texas is handled by the Texas Parks & Wildlife. 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 Texas cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$53 per 2-year cycle$53.00
- Title fee$27.00
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.txdmv.gov/motorists/register-your-vehicle — last reviewed 2026-07-16.