Overview
Boats share Nevada's best-kept vehicle secret: buy one from a private seller and, just like a car, you owe no sales tax - NDOW's own guidance says proof of sales tax isn't required on private-party boat sales. Buy from a dealer or broker and the standard county rate applies (8.375% in Clark County, for example). Unlike cars, boats never carry a Governmental Services Tax - it's just the NDOW registration fee, the title, and, for dealer sales only, sales tax. Nevada also doesn't title outboard motors separately, unlike some states - the boat's title covers the whole rig.
01 - Official fees
Nevada boat registration fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 13 ft | $20 | annual registration |
| 13 ft to under 18 ft | $25 | annual registration |
| 18 ft to under 22 ft | $40 | annual registration |
| 22 ft to under 26 ft | $55 | annual registration |
| 26 ft to under 31 ft | $75 | annual registration |
| 31 ft and over | $100 | annual registration |
| Certificate of Ownership (title) | $20 | |
| Dealer/broker sales tax | 6.85%–8.375% | by county, same rates as cars |
| Private-party sale | $0 sales tax |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with the Nevada DMV - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to register a boat in Nevada
- 1
Get the signed-over title (Certificate of Ownership) from the seller, or the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin for a new boat.
- 2
Complete NDOW's titling and registration application with the vessel's length, hull ID, and sale details.
- 3
Submit at an NDOW office or by mail, with proof of sales tax paid only if it was a dealer or broker sale.
- 4
Pay the length-based annual fee plus the $20 title fee for a first-time registration.
- 5
Display your Nevada numbers and current validation decal on both sides of the bow.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Nevada vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Nevada boat registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Nevada?
$20 to $100 a year depending on length - under 13 ft is $20, 31 ft and up is $100. First-time owners add a $20 title fee, and dealer/broker buyers add sales tax at their county's rate (8.375% in Clark County, for example).
Is there sales tax on a used boat bought from a private seller in Nevada?
No. NDOW's own registration guidance confirms proof of sales tax isn't required on private-party boat sales - the same occasional-sale exemption that covers private car sales covers boats too.
Do kayaks or canoes need to register in Nevada?
Non-motorized vessels like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards generally don't need NDOW registration. Add a motor - including an electric trolling motor - and registration becomes mandatory.
Does a jet ski register the same way as a boat?
Yes - personal watercraft register and title through NDOW under the same length-based fee schedule as any other motorized vessel.
Why didn't I get a separate title for my boat's outboard motor?
Nevada doesn't title outboard motors separately the way some states do - the boat's Certificate of Ownership covers the motor as part of the vessel, so there's only one title fee, not two.
Does my boat trailer register with NDOW too?
No - the trailer is a vehicle and registers with the DMV like any other trailer, separate from the boat's NDOW paperwork. Utility trailers under 1,000 lbs pay a one-time $12 fee; heavier ones pay $24 a year.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.