Overview
Here's the quirk that catches boat buyers off guard: unlike cars, which pay a flat state-only 6.875% with zero local add-on, boats are taxed under Minnesota's general sales tax law - so the 6.875% state rate plus whatever local option sales tax applies where you buy or register the boat can stack on top, something that never happens with a car purchase. Boats over 16 feet also need a DNR title ($15 new, $10 on a transfer); canoes and kayaks are exempt from titling no matter their length.
01 - Official fees
Minnesota boat registration fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 17 ft | $86.50 | base $53 + $25 AIS + issuing/agent fees, 3 years |
| 17–19 ft | $96.50 | base $59 + $29 AIS |
| Over 19 ft, under 26 ft | $159.50 | base $113 + $38 AIS |
| 26 ft, under 40 ft | $222.50 | base $164 + $50 AIS |
| 40 ft and over | $279.50 | base $209 + $62 AIS |
| Canoe/kayak/sailboat class (non-motorized, 10ft+) | ≈$42.10 | base $23 + $10.60 AIS |
| Boat title | $15 new / $10 transfer | plus $7 issuing fee - required 16ft+ |
| Sales tax | 6.875% + local option | general sales tax law, not MVST |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your local deputy registrar office (MN Driver and Vehicle Services) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to register a boat in Minnesota
- 1
Get a signed-over title if the boat is over 16 feet (canoes and kayaks skip this step regardless of length).
- 2
Complete the DNR watercraft title/registration application.
- 3
Submit it at a DNR license agent, your county auditor's office, or by mail with payment.
- 4
Pay the 3-year fee for your length class plus the AIS surcharge, the title fee if applicable, and Minnesota sales tax.
- 5
Display your assigned registration number and validation decal on both sides of the bow.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Minnesota vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Minnesota boat registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Minnesota?
For three years: $86.50 under 17 ft, $96.50 for 17–19 ft, $159.50 for 19–26 ft, $222.50 for 26–40 ft, and $279.50 at 40 ft and over - each figure already includes the Aquatic Invasive Species surcharge and issuing fee.
Do canoes and kayaks need to be registered?
Only if longer than 10 feet, and even then they register at a much lower class (around $42 for three years) than motorized boats, and they're exempt from titling regardless of length.
What is the AIS surcharge, and why does it vary by boat size?
It's Minnesota's Aquatic Invasive Species surcharge, funding inspection and decontamination stations; it scales with boat size from $25 on boats under 17 feet up to $62 on boats 40 feet and over, added to every motorized registration.
Why is the sales tax on my boat different from what I paid on my truck?
Boats fall under Minnesota's general sales tax law, not the flat, state-only motor vehicle sales tax - so the 6.875% state rate can pick up a local option sales tax on top, something that never happens on a car purchase.
Do I need a separate title for my boat?
Only if it's over 16 feet - $15 for a new title or $10 to transfer an existing one, plus a $7 issuing fee. Boats 16 feet and under, plus all canoes and kayaks regardless of length, are exempt from titling.
Does my boat trailer register with the DNR too?
No - trailers are vehicles, registered through DVS/deputy registrar like any other trailer, and taxed at the flat 6.875% motor vehicle rate rather than the DNR's boat schedule.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.