Official fees
Nebraska boat registration fee chart
Under 16 ft (Class 1)
$32.00
3-year registration, incl. $4 issuing fee
16 ft to under 26 ft (Class 2)
$55.00
3-year registration, incl. $4 issuing fee
26 ft to under 40 ft (Class 3)
$76.50
3-year registration, incl. $4 issuing fee
40 ft and over (Class 4)
$124.00
3-year registration, incl. $4 issuing fee
Boat title fee
$10.00
Sales/use tax
5.5%–7.5%
same state + local rates as vehicles
Nonresident AIS stamp
$17.50/yr
residents' AIS cost is bundled into registration
Motor vehicle tax
$0
boats are exempt from this annual, MSRP-based car tax
Figures verified July 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your county treasurer (Nebraska DMV) - counties can add small local fees.
Step by step
How to register a boat in Nebraska
- 1
Get the signed-over boat title and complete Form 6 for the sales/use tax on the purchase.
- 2
Bring the title, Form 6, and payment to any county treasurer's office.
- 3
Pay the 3-year registration fee for your length class plus the $10 title fee and sales tax.
- 4
Nonresidents also buy the $17.50 AIS stamp; residents' AIS cost is already folded into registration.
- 5
Display your Nebraska registration numbers and decal; the registration is good for three years, expiring December 31.
- Registration term
- 3 years
- Fee range
- $32–$124
- Title fee
- $10
- Sales tax
- 5.5%–7.5%
- Nonresident AIS stamp
- $17.50/yr
Overview
The one add-on to watch is the Aquatic Invasive Species stamp: Nebraska residents' boat registration already bundles the AIS cost in, but nonresidents bringing a boat onto Nebraska water need a separate $17.50 annual AIS stamp on top of registration. Every part of this - registration, title, tax, and the AIS stamp - is handled through your county treasurer, not a separate Game & Parks office visit.
Same state, other costs
More Nebraska vehicle costs
Common questions
Nebraska boat registration FAQ
- How much does it cost to register a boat in Nebraska?
- For three years: $32 under 16 feet, $55 for 16 to under 26 feet, $76.50 for 26 to under 40 feet, $124 for 40 feet and over. First-time buyers add the $10 title fee and 5.5%–7.5% sales tax on the purchase price.
- Do boats pay Nebraska's motor vehicle tax like cars do?
- No - the annual, MSRP-bracket motor vehicle tax that makes up most of a car's registration bill doesn't apply to boats at all. Boats just pay the flat 3-year registration fee by length class, which is a much simpler system than land vehicles get.
- What's the Aquatic Invasive Species stamp and do I need one?
- Nebraska residents don't buy a separate AIS stamp - its cost is already built into your boat registration fee. Nonresidents launching a boat on Nebraska water need a standalone $17.50 annual AIS stamp, valid through December 31 of the year purchased.
- Do kayaks or canoes need to be registered in Nebraska?
- Unmotorized kayaks, canoes, and similar small craft generally don't need registration. Add any motor - even an electric trolling motor - and Nebraska's motorboat registration requirement kicks in, same as for a full-size boat.
- Is there a trade-in credit on a boat purchase?
- Yes, the same trade-in rule that applies to vehicles (Reg-1-029) applies to boats - tax is calculated on the purchase price minus any boat or trailer taken in trade, when documented on Form 6.
- Does my boat trailer register separately?
- Yes - a boat trailer is a vehicle under Nebraska law and registers through the regular motor vehicle system (with its own small motor vehicle tax/fee), completely separate from the boat's Game & Parks-authorized registration.
Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.
