How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Vermont?
Registering a boat in Vermont costs $31–$153 per year, based on length. It's handled by the Vermont 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 | $31.00 | $27.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $49.00 | $27.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $80.00 | $27.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Post-Act 62 amounts (fees rose ~20% in 2024); 2-year terms available at roughly 1.9x.
- Vermont began titling motorboats 16 ft+ (15 model years or newer) in 2024.
Vermont: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Vermont?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Vermont. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Vermont?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Vermont?
Yes — in Vermont 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 Vermont trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Vermont?
Yes — Vermont 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 Vermont?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Vermont, usually in the smallest length class. The same Vermont DMV handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Vermont?
Boat registration in Vermont is handled by the Vermont 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 Vermont cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$49.00
- 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://dmv.vermont.gov/registrations/fees — last reviewed 2026-07-16.