Overview
The same 6% Purchase & Use Tax that applies to cars applies to a boat's first Vermont registration - unless you can show a purchase invoice proving you already paid at least 6% sales tax to a dealer in one of the 45 states that charge it, in which case Vermont credits that and asks for nothing more.
Only motorized craft need registering: any motorboat and personal watercraft (jet skis) must have Vermont numbers, while canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized vessels are exempt. Separately, Vermont's volunteer Public Access Greeter program checks boats for invasive species at many launches - it's free and run by the Department of Environmental Conservation, not a DMV fee.
01 - Official fees
Vermont boat registration fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 ft, 1 year | $31.00 | |
| Under 16 ft, 2 years | $57.00 | |
| 16 ft to under 26 ft, 1 year | $49.00 | |
| 16 ft to under 26 ft, 2 years | $93.00 | |
| 26 ft to under 40 ft, 1 year | $80.00 | |
| 26 ft to under 40 ft, 2 years | $155.00 | |
| 40 ft and over, 1 year | $153.00 | |
| 40 ft and over, 2 years | $303.00 | |
| Boat title | $27.00 | |
| Purchase & Use Tax | 6% | credited if ≥6% sales tax already paid to another state's dealer |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with the Vermont DMV - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to register a boat in Vermont
- 1
Get the signed-over title (or dealer bill of sale) for the motorboat or personal watercraft.
- 2
Complete the Motorboat Tax & Title Application (VD-037) at a Vermont DMV office.
- 3
Bring proof of any sales tax already paid to another state's dealer, if applicable, to credit against the 6% due.
- 4
Pay the length-based registration fee, the $27 title fee, and any Purchase & Use Tax owed.
- 5
Display your Vermont numbers and validation decal on the bow as required.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Vermont vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Vermont boat registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Vermont?
For one year: $31 under 16 ft, $49 for 16 ft to under 26 ft, $80 for 26 ft to under 40 ft, $153 for 40 ft and over. Two-year terms are available at a discount. First-time registration adds a $27 title fee and 6% Purchase & Use Tax on the purchase.
Do kayaks and canoes need to be registered in Vermont?
No - only motorized craft need Vermont registration. Motorboats and personal watercraft (jet skis) must register; non-motorized canoes, kayaks, and similar vessels are exempt regardless of length.
Do I owe Vermont's boat tax if I already paid sales tax in another state?
Not again in full. If you can show a purchase invoice proving at least 6% sales tax was already paid to a dealer in one of the 45 states that charge sales tax, Vermont credits that against its own 6% Purchase & Use Tax on the first registration.
Is a boat title cheaper than a car title in Vermont?
Yes - $27 for a motorboat versus $42 for a car, truck, or motorcycle. It follows the same reduced rate as ATVs and snowmobiles.
Does the DMV or Fish & Wildlife handle boat registration?
The DMV processes the paperwork - title, registration, and tax - the same as for a car. Vermont Fish & Wildlife sets and enforces the actual boating regulations on the water, like speed zones and safety equipment.
What is the Public Access Greeter Program, and does it cost anything?
It's a free, volunteer-run inspection program at many Vermont boat launches, checking hulls and trailers for invasive species like zebra mussels before you launch. It's run by the Department of Environmental Conservation and isn't a registration fee - you won't be billed for it.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.