How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Virginia?
In Virginia, boat registration is handled by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and renews every 3 years. The fee is based on boat length — from $32 for the smallest class up to $50 for the largest per cycle. 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 | $10.67 | $10.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $12.00 | $10.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $14.00 | $10.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- DWR opened a public-comment period in July 2026 on further fee increases — amounts may change after board action.
- Sail-only vessels over 18 ft are titled but not registered; paddlecraft are exempt.
Estimate your exact Virginia cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$36 per 3-year cycle$36.00
- Title fee$10.00
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://www.dmv.virginia.gov/ — last reviewed 2026-07-16.