Overview
01 - Official fees
Illinois boat registration fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 ft - new/transfer | $28.00 | renewal $18.00 |
| 16–25 ft - new/transfer | $60.00 | renewal $50.00 |
| 26–39 ft - new/transfer | $160.00 | renewal $150.00 |
| 40 ft and over - new/transfer | $210.00 | renewal $200.00 |
| Corrected/duplicate title, registration, or decal | $7.00 each | |
| Dealer or manufacturer title | $10.00 | |
| Watercraft use tax, private sale (RUT-75) | 6.25% | flat rate on price/FMV, no age table |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with the Illinois Secretary of State (vehicle tax is paid to the Illinois Department of Revenue, IDOR) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to register a boat in Illinois
- 1
Get the signed-over title or bill of sale from the seller.
- 2
For a private-party purchase, file Form RUT-75 and pay the 6.25% watercraft use tax within 30 days.
- 3
Apply for registration through IL DNR - by mail, in person, or through the Direct Vehicle & Vessel Services online portal.
- 4
Pay the 3-year registration fee for your boat's length class.
- 5
Display your Illinois registration number and current decal on the bow as required.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Illinois vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Illinois boat registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Illinois?
For 3 years: $28 under 16 ft, $60 for 16–25 ft, $160 for 26–39 ft, $210 for 40 ft and up (renewals run $10 cheaper at each tier). A private-party purchase also owes 6.25% watercraft use tax on the price or fair market value, filed on Form RUT-75.
Does Illinois use the same age-based tax table for boats that it uses for cars?
No - that's the big difference. Cars sold privately go through RUT-50's age or price-band tables. Boats sold privately go through RUT-75, which is a single flat 6.25% rate on the purchase price or fair market value, with no age brackets at all.
Do I owe tax on a boat I bought from a dealer?
Yes, but through the regular Retailers' Occupation Tax at the dealer's combined state-and-local rate, the same mechanism used for a dealer car sale - not RUT-75, which is specifically for non-retail (private-party, gift, or transfer) acquisitions.
What's the deadline to file the watercraft use tax?
Form RUT-75 is due within 30 days of acquiring the boat, or 30 days after bringing it into Illinois if you moved it here from another state - whichever date is later.
Do kayaks or canoes need to register in Illinois?
Unpowered, unsailed small craft generally don't need registration. Once a boat carries a motor (including an electric trolling motor) it needs an Illinois registration number and decal from IL DNR, regardless of length.
Is there a separate title fee for boats like there is for cars?
Illinois doesn't charge a standard owner title fee the way the $165 vehicle title does - the DNR's title-related charges are narrower: $7 for a corrected or duplicate title/registration/decal, and $10 for a dealer or manufacturer title.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.