Quick answer
In Colorado, registration is required for: Any boat with a motor or sail operated on public waters in Colorado. Registration is handled by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), is valid for 1 year (January 1 – December 31), and costs $60.25 to $100.25 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Colorado Registration Guides
Use these Colorado-specific guides for renewal, title, tax, non-resident, vessel-type, and paperwork questions that need more detail than the state overview.
- Colorado Boat Registration: Complete Guide for a No-Title State (2026)
- Colorado Boat Sales Tax: Rates, Home-Rule Cities & How to Calculate (2026)
- Colorado Non-Resident Boating: 60-Day Rules, ANS Stamps & Inspection Requirements (2026)
- Colorado Boat Ownership Without a Title: How to Prove You Own a Boat (2026)
- Colorado Kayak Registration Rules: Canoes, SUPs & Motorized Kayaks (2026)
- Colorado Jet Ski & PWC Laws: Age Limits, Safety Course & Rules (2026)
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Colorado, registration is required for: Any boat with a motor or sail operated on public waters in Colorado. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: Any boat with a motor or sail operated on public waters in Colorado
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized vessels without sails (must be marked with owner's name/address)
- Non-residents with valid home-state registration for up to 60 days
Registration Fees & Costs
Colorado boat registration fees range from $60.25 to $100.25 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 2.9% sales tax, and title fees are $0.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| < 20 ft (annual) | $35.25 | $60.25 |
| 20–29 ft (annual) | $45.25 | $70.25 |
| 30+ ft (annual) | $75.25 | $100.25 |
Sales Tax Rate: 2.9%
Title Fee: $0.00
How to Register Your Boat in Colorado
To register a boat in Colorado, you must apply within Before operating on public waters of purchase through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 1 year (January 1 – December 31).
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) portal
- In Person: At your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Required Documents
- Completed registration application form
- Bill of Sale or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- Valid photo identification
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) verification
Colorado Boat Title & Title Transfer
Colorado does not require a separate boat title — registration serves as proof of ownership. The title application fee is $0.00, and transfers cost $0.00.
Title required: No — Colorado does not title boats. Proof of ownership (bill of sale) is required for registration.
Title application fee: $0.00
Title transfer fee: $0.00
Required Documents for Title Transfer
- Bill of Sale or proof of ownership
- Previous registration (if applicable)
- Valid photo ID
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Colorado
If you are selling a boat in Colorado, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). If you are buying, do not rely on the seller's word alone: match the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the paperwork to the boat and confirm whether liens or title defects exist before paying.
| Transfer item | What to prepare in CO |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. Because this is a registration-only state, keep a clear ownership chain with prior registration and sale documents. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | No separate boat title is required in the current state data. |
| Tax | 2.9% sales or use tax may apply. |
For buyer and seller paperwork, use the boat bill of sale template, check how to look for liens, and compare boat title transfer fees by state.
Colorado Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 1 year (January 1 – December 31)
Colorado boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current CO state data. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Colorado requires a boater safety course. Individuals aged 14-18 must complete a CPW boating safety course before operating a vessel. New law expanding to 16-17 year olds effective June 2025.. The minimum age to operate a vessel is 14.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Individuals aged 14-18 must complete a CPW boating safety course before operating a vessel. New law expanding to 16-17 year olds effective June 2025.
Accepted courses: CPW-approved courses, NASBLA-approved providers from other states accepted if state laws are not less restrictive
Course cost: Varies by provider
Minimum age to operate: 14 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: CO 1234 AB
Minimum font height: 3 inches minimum
Font style: Block letters, contrasting color to hull
Placement: Both sides of bow, forward half
Sticker placement: Within 6 inches of registration number
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Colorado Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $60.25 | 1 year (January 1 – December 31) | No | 2.9% |
| Arizona | $20.00 | 1 year (12 months) | No | 5.6% |
| Kansas | $42.50 | 3 years | No | 6.5% |
| Nebraska | $32.00 | 3 years | Yes | 5.5% |
| New Mexico | $60.00 | 3 years | Yes | 5% |
| Oklahoma | $3.25 | 1 year or 3 years (July 1 – June 30) | Yes | 4.5% |
| Utah | $45.50 | 1 year (annual renewal) | Yes | 6.1% |
| Wyoming | $40.00 | 1 year or 3 years | Yes | 4% |
Colorado Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Colorado?
Does Colorado require boat titles?
Is boater education required in Colorado?
What is the ANS stamp in Colorado?
Can non-residents operate boats in Colorado?
How long is boat registration valid in Colorado?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Colorado? Visit the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website or use our tools to estimate costs.
Related Resources
- Arizona Boat Registration
- Kansas Boat Registration
- Nebraska Boat Registration
- New Mexico Boat Registration
- Oklahoma Boat Registration
- Utah Boat Registration
- Wyoming Boat Registration
- Compare Registration Costs Across All States
- How to Register a Boat: Step-by-Step Guide
- Boat Title Transfer Guide
- Registration Fee Calculator
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and verified for 2026, registration requirements and fees may change. Contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) at 303-297-1192 for the most current information.