How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Vermont?
In Vermont, boat registration is handled by the Vermont DMV and renews annually. The fee is based on boat length — from $31 for the smallest class up to $153 for the largest per year. 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.
Estimate your exact Vermont cost
Your boat
Estimated annual cost
$49.00/ year
- Registration fee (by length)$49.00
One-time fees (first registration)
- Title fee$27.00
One-time total: $27.00
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.vermont.gov/registrations/fees — last reviewed 2026-07-16.