How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Utah?
Registering a boat in Utah costs a flat $30 per year. It's handled by the Utah DMV and renews annually. 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 | $30.00 | $6.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $30.00 | $6.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $30.00 | $6.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- The registration fee is the small part: an age-based uniform fee (in lieu of property tax) adds $10–$700 depending on length and age — a new 19–23-ft boat owes $275; boats 31 ft+ pay 1.5% of market value.
- Add a $10 aquatic invasive species (AIS) fee at registration plus the separate $20/yr DWR AIS enrollment for motorized boats.
Utah: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Utah?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Utah. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Utah?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Utah?
Yes — in Utah 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 Utah trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Utah?
Yes — Utah issues a boat title for a one-time $6 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 Utah?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Utah, usually in the smallest length class. The same Utah DMV handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Utah?
Boat registration in Utah is handled by the Utah DMV. 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 year before your decal expires.
Estimate your exact Utah cost
Your boat
- Registration fee$30.00
- Title fee$6.00
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.utah.gov/register/registration-taxes-fees/uniform-fees/ — last reviewed 2026-07-16.