Overview
Two more pieces stack on every Idaho registration: a $1.50 vendor processing fee and a $10 Idaho Invasive Species Fund sticker, which is now bundled directly into the registration rather than sold separately. Kayaks, canoes, and other non-motorized craft skip registration entirely but still need their own $7 invasive species sticker. Titling is the exception, not the rule - Idaho only requires a boat title for 2000-model-year-or-newer vessels with permanent propulsion (inboards, sterndrives, personal watercraft, sailboats) or any outboard-powered boat over 12 feet.
01 - Official fees
Idaho boat registration fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motorized boat, 12 ft and under | $30.00 | 1-year registration |
| Per foot beyond 12 ft | $2.00/ft | |
| Vendor processing fee | $1.50 | |
| Invasive species sticker (Idaho-registered, motorized) | $10.00 | bundled into registration |
| Invasive species sticker (non-motorized, in-state) | $7.00 | no registration required |
| Invasive species sticker (out-of-state motorized) | $30.00 | nonresident boats |
| Boat title (only if required) | $14.00 | 2000+ model with inboard/sterndrive/PWC, or outboard over 12 ft |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your county DMV/assessor's office (Idaho Transportation Department) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to register a boat in Idaho
- 1
Confirm whether your boat needs a title: 2000-model-year-or-newer with permanent propulsion, or any outboard over 12 feet.
- 2
Register online through IDPR, at a county assessor's office, or at an authorized retail vendor.
- 3
Pay the length-based fee, the $1.50 vendor fee, and the invasive species sticker (bundled for Idaho-registered motorized boats).
- 4
Display your Certificate of Number and validation decal on both sides of the bow.
- 5
Renew annually - Idaho boat registrations expire December 31 regardless of when you first registered.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Idaho vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Idaho boat registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Idaho?
$41.50 for a motorized boat 12 feet or under: $30 base fee, $1.50 vendor fee, and the $10 invasive species sticker bundled in. Add $2 for every foot over 12 - a 20-foot boat runs about $57.50 total.
Do I need a separate invasive species sticker if I already register my boat?
No, if it's an Idaho-registered motorized boat - the $10 fee is already built into your registration payment, and the same sticker covers both. Non-motorized craft like kayaks and canoes need their own $7 sticker since they don't register at all.
Do kayaks and canoes need to register in Idaho?
No - non-motorized watercraft don't register, but they do need the $7 invasive species sticker if used in Idaho waters. Add a trolling motor and the boat crosses into needing full registration.
Why do I need a title for my boat when my neighbor doesn't for theirs?
Idaho only titles specific boats: those from model year 2000 onward with permanent propulsion (inboard, sterndrive, personal watercraft, sailboat), or any outboard-motor boat over 12 feet. Smaller or older outboard boats skip titling - your registration and bill of sale serve as proof of ownership instead.
I'm visiting Idaho with a boat registered in another state - what do I need?
A $30 nonresident invasive species sticker for a motorized boat, or $7 if it's non-motorized, purchased before you launch. Your home-state registration otherwise covers you; you don't need an Idaho registration for a short visit.
When does my Idaho boat registration expire?
Every December 31, regardless of when during the year you registered - there's no rolling 12-month cycle like vehicle registration has. Renew before the new year to stay current.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.