Overview
The other thing that surprises new boat owners: North Dakota doesn't title boats at all. Your registration certificate and a bill of sale are the whole proof of ownership - there's no separate title document or title fee to budget for, unlike titling a car or an outboard motor in some other states. Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards don't need to register at all.
01 - Official fees
North Dakota boat registration fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 ft (includes motorized canoes) | $30 | 3-year registration |
| 16 ft to under 20 ft | $45 | 3-year registration |
| 20 ft and over | $60 | 3-year registration |
| Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) fee | $15 | per registration, all motorized watercraft |
| Non-motorized canoes/kayaks/paddleboards | Exempt |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your county's NDDOT motor vehicle branch office - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to register a boat in North Dakota
- 1
Have your bill of sale or manufacturer's statement of origin ready - there's no title to transfer.
- 2
Register online at the ND Game and Fish Department's watercraft portal, or at a licensed vendor.
- 3
Pick the length class and pay the 3-year fee plus the $15 ANS fee.
- 4
Display your registration numbers and validation decal on the bow as instructed.
- 5
Fees are prorated if you're registering partway through the current 3-year cycle.
03 - Same state, other costs
More North Dakota vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
North Dakota boat registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in North Dakota?
$30 under 16 feet, $45 for 16 to under 20 feet, $60 for 20 feet and over - for the entire three-year cycle, not per year - plus a $15 aquatic nuisance species fee on every motorized registration.
Do I need a title for my boat in North Dakota?
No. North Dakota doesn't issue boat titles at all - your registration certificate combined with a bill of sale is the accepted proof of ownership, which is simpler (and cheaper) than states that title boats and outboard motors separately.
Do canoes and kayaks need to register?
Not if they're non-motorized - canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards without a motor are exempt regardless of length. Add a trolling motor to a canoe and it falls into the under-16-foot registration category at $30.
Why is registration valid for three years instead of one?
North Dakota moved watercraft registration to a three-year cycle; the current cycle runs 2026 through 2028. Fees are prorated for anyone registering partway through, so you're not overpaying for a partial term.
What's the aquatic nuisance species fee for?
It's a dedicated $15 charge on every motorized watercraft registration that funds North Dakota's invasive-species prevention programs - it applies alongside the length-based fee, not instead of it.
Does my boat trailer register separately?
Yes - the trailer is a vehicle and registers with NDDOT like any other trailer, at the flat $20/year trailer rate, completely separate from the boat's Game and Fish paperwork.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.