Overview
Titling a boat in Mississippi is optional - you must register it, but a title ($12.70) is only required if you want one, say for financing or an out-of-state sale. Sales tax on a new or used boat is 7%, the same rate charged on motorcycles and ATVs, paid through the dealer's invoice or at your county tax collector if you bought privately or out of state. A boat trailer registers separately, through the county as an ordinary private trailer, not through MDWFP.
01 - Official fees
Mississippi boat registration fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 ft | ≈$11.00 | 3-year registration |
| 16 ft to under 26 ft | ≈$26.00 | 3-year registration |
| 26 ft and over | ≈$45.00–$48.00 | 3-year registration; 26–39 ft and 40 ft+ share this rate |
| Boat title (optional) | $12.70 | |
| Boat sales tax | 7% | paid via dealer invoice, or at the county tax collector for private/out-of-state purchases |
| Boat trailer registration | Registered separately via county | titled only if 5,000+ lbs GVW |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your county tax collector's office (Mississippi Department of Revenue) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to register a boat in Mississippi
- 1
If bought from a dealer, get the sales invoice showing Mississippi sales tax was collected. If bought privately or out of state, pay the 7% tax at your county tax collector first.
- 2
Complete the MDWFP Motor Boat Registration Application.
- 3
Submit the application and proof of sales tax payment to MDWFP, either online, by mail, or through a participating agent.
- 4
Decide whether you want an optional boat title ($12.70) - required for financing or many out-of-state resales, but not for basic registration.
- 5
Display your MS registration numbers and current decal on the bow; your 3-year registration renews through MDWFP, not the county.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Mississippi vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Mississippi boat registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Mississippi?
For a 3-year term: roughly $11 for boats under 16 feet, $26 for 16 up to 26 feet, and $45–$48 for anything 26 feet or longer. First-time buyers also owe 7% sales tax on the purchase price and, optionally, $12.70 for a title.
Do I have to title my boat in Mississippi?
No - boats must be registered with MDWFP, but titling is voluntary. Most owners skip it unless they need one to finance the boat or to satisfy a buyer or lender in another state.
Why is my boat taxed at 7% when my car was only 5%?
Mississippi's reduced 5% automotive rate applies only to cars, vans, buses, and light trucks. Boats fall under the same 7% rate as motorcycles, mopeds, ATVs, and trailers.
Does my kayak or canoe need to be registered?
No - unpowered kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards don't need MDWFP registration. Add a motor of any kind, including a trolling motor, and registration becomes mandatory.
Where do I register the trailer I use to haul my boat?
Through your county tax collector, the same office that handles cars - a boat trailer is treated as an ordinary private trailer, completely separate from the boat's MDWFP paperwork. It only needs a title if it's 5,000 lbs GVW or more.
I bought a used boat privately - do I still owe sales tax?
Yes, 7% on the purchase price, paid at your county tax collector's office when you register it, since there's no dealer invoice to show the tax was already collected.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.