Quick answer
In Indiana, registration is required for: All motorized watercraft and sailboats with auxiliary motors on Indiana waterways. Registration is handled by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is valid for 1 year, and costs $25.00 to $49.00 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Department of Natural Resources (DNR) · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Indiana, registration is required for: All motorized watercraft and sailboats with auxiliary motors on Indiana waterways. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorized watercraft and sailboats with auxiliary motors on Indiana waterways
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized vessels (canoes, kayaks)
- Vessels from another state temporarily on Indiana waters
Registration Fees & Costs
Indiana boat registration fees range from $25.00 to $49.00 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 7% sales tax, and title fees are $15.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 0–12 ft (initial) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| 13–25 ft (initial) | $18.00 | $33.00 |
| 26–39 ft (initial) | $21.00 | $41.00 |
| 40+ ft (initial) | $24.00 | $49.00 |
Sales Tax Rate: 7%
Title Fee: $15.00
How to Register Your Boat in Indiana
To register a boat in Indiana, you must apply within Before operating on public waters of purchase through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 1 year.
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Department of Natural Resources (DNR) portal
- In Person: At your local Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 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
Indiana Boat Title & Title Transfer
Indiana requires a boat title for all vessels requiring registration, with exceptions for pre-1986 boats and vessels valued under $3,000 when new. The title application fee is $15.00, and transfers cost $15.00.
Title required: Yes — All vessels requiring registration, with exceptions for pre-1986 boats and vessels valued under $3,000 when new
Title application fee: $15.00
Title transfer fee: $15.00
Required Documents for Title Transfer
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title (used vessels)
- Bill of Sale
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Valid photo ID
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Indiana
If you are selling a boat in Indiana, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 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 IN |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. Sign the existing title exactly as the owner name appears. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | Required for all vessels requiring registration, with exceptions for pre-1986 boats and vessels valued under $3,000 when new; title transfer fee is $15.00. |
| Tax | 7% 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.
Indiana Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 1 year
Indiana boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current IN 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
Indiana requires a boater safety course. Persons 15+ without a valid driver's license who operate a motorboat or PWC must complete a DNR-approved boater education course.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Persons 15+ without a valid driver's license who operate a motorboat or PWC must complete a DNR-approved boater education course
Accepted courses: Indiana DNR-approved courses (online and in-person)
Course cost: Varies by provider
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: IN 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 Indiana Compares to Neighboring States
Indiana Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Indiana?
Do I need a title for my boat in Indiana?
Is boater education required in Indiana?
What is the boat excise tax in Indiana?
Do I need a lake permit in Indiana?
Can non-residents operate boats in Indiana?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Indiana? Visit the official Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 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 Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 888-692-6841 for the most current information.