How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Washington?
In Washington, boat registration is handled by the Washington DOL (county auditors/subagents) and renews annually. The fee is a flat $33 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 | $33.00 | $5.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $33.00 | $5.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $33.00 | $5.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Itemized: $10.50 registration + $6 derelict-vessel/invasive-species fees + filing and service fees (raised January 2026) — about $33 all-in at a subagent.
- Plus the watercraft excise tax: 0.5% of fair market value annually ($5 minimum). Human-powered craft are exempt; boats 16 ft+ must register.
Estimate your exact Washington cost
Your boat
- Registration fee$33.00
- Title fee$5.00
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://dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/vehicles/vehicle-registration/calculate-vehicle-tab-fees · https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.17.365 — last reviewed 2026-07-16.