Overview
Titling is mandatory for any boat 16 feet or longer, motorized or not - a $5 fee either way. Sales tax follows the same rules as vehicles: 5% state plus whatever county and city tax applies where the boat is customarily kept, so a boat kept in the city of Milwaukee owes the same 7.9% combined rate as a car there. Small craft are exempt entirely: non-motorized canoes, kayaks, and sailboats 12 feet or under don't need to register at all.
01 - Official fees
Wisconsin boat registration fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 ft (motorized) | $22 | 3-year registration |
| 16 ft to under 26 ft | $32 | 3-year registration |
| 26 ft to under 40 ft | $60 | 3-year registration |
| 40 ft and over | $100 | 3-year registration |
| Non-motorized sailboat, over 12 ft | $17 | 3-year registration |
| Boat title | $5 | mandatory at 16 ft and longer |
| Boat sales tax | 5%–7.9% | based on where the boat is customarily kept |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with the Wisconsin DMV (WisDOT) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to register a boat in Wisconsin
- 1
Get the signed-over title (or bill of sale for a boat under 16 feet that isn't titled).
- 2
Complete the Boat Registration and Titling Application (Form 9400-193).
- 3
Submit to the DNR with the length-based registration fee, the $5 title fee if required, and sales tax based on where you'll keep the boat.
- 4
Display your Wisconsin registration numbers and current validation decal on both sides of the bow.
- 5
Mark your calendar for March 31 three years out - that's when the registration expires, regardless of when you registered.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Wisconsin vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Wisconsin boat registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Wisconsin?
For three years: $22 under 16 feet, $32 for 16 to under 26 feet, $60 for 26 to under 40 feet, $100 at 40 feet and over. First-time owners add a $5 title fee (mandatory at 16 feet or longer) plus 5%–7.9% sales tax on the purchase.
Do kayaks and canoes need to be registered in Wisconsin?
No - non-motorized canoes, kayaks, and sailboats 12 feet or under are exempt entirely. Add a motor (even a small trolling motor) or go over 12 feet with a sailboat, and registration becomes mandatory.
Why does my boat need a title but my neighbor's doesn't?
Wisconsin requires titling for any boat 16 feet or longer, motorized or not, regardless of value. Shorter boats generally register without a separate title - just the registration decals.
Is boat sales tax the same as vehicle sales tax in Wisconsin?
Yes, same structure: 5% state plus your local county/city rate, based on wherever the boat is customarily kept rather than where you bought it. A boat kept in the city of Milwaukee owes the same 7.9% combined rate as a car there.
How long does my boat registration actually last?
Three years on a fixed statewide clock - every registration period runs from April 1 through March 31 three years later, so your renewal date isn't tied to when you first registered.
Does my boat trailer register with the DNR too?
No - the trailer is a vehicle and registers through WisDOT like any trailer, completely separate from the boat's DNR paperwork and fees.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.