Quick answer
In Illinois, registration is required for: All vessels powered by a motor or sail, including those with trolling motors. Registration is handled by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), is valid for 3 years, and fees are summarized as $18 to $210 listed IDNR transaction fees before any processing, duplicate, title-search, dealer/manufacturer, or tax form amounts; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) · Source status: Verified · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Illinois, registration is required for: All vessels powered by a motor or sail, including those with trolling motors. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All vessels powered by a motor or sail, including those with trolling motors
Exempt from registration:
- Unpowered watercraft (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards)
- Vessels with valid out-of-state registration temporarily in Illinois
Registration Fees & Costs
Illinois boat registration fees can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as $18 to $210 listed IDNR transaction fees before any processing, duplicate, title-search, dealer/manufacturer, or tax form amounts. Sales/use tax: 6.25% state use/sales tax base; local tax and RUT/ST forms depend on the purchase. Title fee information: $0.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| New/transfer registration (< 16 ft powered) | $28.00 | $28.00 |
| New/transfer registration (16–25 ft) | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| New/transfer registration (26–39 ft) | $160.00 | $160.00 |
| New/transfer registration (40+ ft) | $210.00 | $210.00 |
| Renewal (< 16 ft) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Renewal (16–25 ft) | $50.00 | $50.00 |
Sales Tax: 6.25% state use/sales tax base; local tax and RUT/ST forms depend on the purchase
Title Fee: $0.00
How to Register Your Boat in Illinois
To register a boat in Illinois, follow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) process and complete registration before operating on public waters. ExploreMoreIL handles online watercraft applications and renewals; IDNR says applications are reviewed case by case by the Springfield office. Registration is valid for 3 years.
Registration can be completed:
- Online services: Use the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) portal for services the agency lists online; original documents may still be required for title or ownership transactions.
- In Person: At your local Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Documents to Check Before Filing
- Completed state registration application form, if the official agency requires one
- Ownership evidence such as a bill of sale, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), title, or prior registration
- Valid photo identification when required by the filing office
- Tax or fee payment documentation where applicable
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) details or inspection when requested by the official agency
Illinois Boat Title & Title Transfer
Illinois title rules: All registered watercraft over 21 feet in length (optional for boats under 22 ft). Title application fee: $0.00. Title transfer fee: $0.00.
Title required: Yes — All registered watercraft over 21 feet in length (optional for boats under 22 ft)
Title application fee: $0.00
Title transfer fee: $0.00
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership Transfer
- Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title (used vessels)
- Bill of Sale
- Applicable tax forms (ST-556, RUT-75, or RUT-25)
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Illinois
If you are selling a boat in Illinois, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). 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 IL |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. If a title document or electronic title release is required, sign or release it exactly as the agency instructs. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | All registered watercraft over 21 feet in length (optional for boats under 22 ft). Title transfer: $0.00. |
| Tax | 6.25% state use/sales tax base; local tax and RUT/ST forms depend on the purchase. |
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.
Illinois Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 3 years
Illinois boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. ExploreMoreIL handles online watercraft applications and renewals; IDNR says applications are reviewed case by case by the Springfield office. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Illinois requires a boater safety course. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, operating a powered watercraft of 10+ HP must possess a Boater Safety Certificate. The minimum age to operate a vessel is 10.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, operating a powered watercraft of 10+ HP must possess a Boater Safety Certificate
Accepted courses: IDNR-approved courses (online and in-person)
Course cost: Varies by provider
Minimum age to operate: 10 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: IL 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: Display validation decals as directed by IDNR or ExploreMoreIL watercraft registration materials
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Illinois Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $18.00 | 3 years | Yes | 6.25% state use/sales tax base; local tax and RUT/ST forms depend on the purchase |
| Indiana | $25.00 | 1 year | Yes | 7% state sales/use tax base when due; BMV excise tax and DNR/lake permit charges are separate |
| Iowa | $17.65 | 3 years (May 1 to April 30 cycle) | Yes | 6% state sales/use tax base; local tax or proof-of-tax treatment may affect the final county recorder total |
| Kentucky | $25.00 | 1 year (expires April 30) | Yes | 6% state sales/use tax base when due; county property tax, title, lien, and clerk charges are separate |
| Missouri | $25.00 | 3 years | Yes | 4.225% state sales/use tax base plus applicable local tax when due; personal property tax is separate |
| Wisconsin | $17.00 | 3 years | Yes | 5% Wisconsin state sales tax plus applicable county or city sales tax may apply unless an exemption applies |
Illinois Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Illinois?
Do I need a title for my boat in Illinois?
Is boater education required in Illinois?
Can I register my boat online in Illinois?
Can non-residents operate boats in Illinois?
What sales tax applies to boats in Illinois?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Illinois? Visit the official Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website or use our tools to estimate costs.
Related Resources
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 Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) at 217-782-2965 for the most current information.