How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Washington?
Registering a boat in Washington costs a flat $33 per year. It's handled by the Washington DOL (county auditors/subagents) 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 | $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 + derelict-vessel/invasive-species fees + filing 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), and a new 0.5% recreational-watercraft luxury tax from July 1, 2026. Human-powered craft are exempt; boats 16 ft+ must register.
Washington: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Washington?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Washington. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Washington?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Washington?
Yes — in Washington 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 Washington trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Washington?
Yes — Washington issues a boat title for a one-time $5 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 Washington?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Washington, usually in the smallest length class. The same Washington DOL (county auditors/subagents) handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Washington?
Boat registration in Washington is handled by the Washington DOL (county auditors/subagents). 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 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.