How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Wisconsin?
Registering a boat in Wisconsin costs $22–$100 per 3-year cycle, based on length. It's handled by the Wisconsin DNR and renews every 3 years. 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 | $7.33 | $5.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $10.67 | $5.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $20.00 | $5.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Non-motorized sailboats register for $17 per 3 years; canoes/kayaks are exempt.
- The DNR boat title is $5 — don't confuse it with the $214.50 motor-vehicle title fee.
Wisconsin: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Wisconsin?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Wisconsin. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Wisconsin?
Every 3 years — the fee shown covers the full 3-year period.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Wisconsin?
Yes — in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Wisconsin?
Yes — Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Wisconsin, usually in the smallest length class. The same Wisconsin DNR handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Wisconsin?
Boat registration in Wisconsin is handled by the Wisconsin DNR. 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 3 years before your decal expires.
Estimate your exact Wisconsin cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$32 per 3-year cycle$32.01
- 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.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/title-plates/fee-chart.aspx — last reviewed 2026-07-16.