Quick answer
In Indiana, registration is required for: All watercraft operating on Indiana waterways unless a BMV registration exemption applies. Registration is handled by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is valid for 1 year, and fees are summarized as Initial registration examples from $25 to $49 before title, excise, lake permit, and transaction-specific charges; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Department of Natural Resources (DNR) · Source status: Verified · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Indiana, registration is required for: All watercraft operating on Indiana waterways unless a BMV registration exemption applies. There are 4 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All watercraft operating on Indiana waterways unless a BMV registration exemption applies
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized watercraft including canoes, rowboats, and paddleboats, but excluding sailboats
- Out-of-state registered watercraft operated, used, stored, or docked in Indiana for 60 consecutive days or less in a calendar year
- Out-of-state registered watercraft docked on the Indiana part of Lake Michigan for 180 consecutive days or less
- Watercraft with a qualifying bill of sale dated within 45 days of acquisition/purchase
Registration Fees & Costs
Indiana boat registration fees can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as Initial registration examples from $25 to $49 before title, excise, lake permit, and transaction-specific charges. Sales/use tax: 7% state sales/use tax base when due; BMV excise tax and DNR/lake permit charges are separate. Title fee information: $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: 7% state sales/use tax base when due; BMV excise tax and DNR/lake permit charges are separate
Title Fee: $15.00
How to Register Your Boat in Indiana
To register a boat in Indiana, follow the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Department of Natural Resources (DNR) process and complete registration before operating on public waters. BMV branch processing for new, renewed, or duplicate registrations; renewals and duplicate registration cards may also be processed online. Registration is valid for 1 year.
Registration can be completed:
- Online services: Use the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Department of Natural Resources (DNR) portal for services the agency lists online; original documents may still be required for title or ownership transactions.
- 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
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
Indiana Boat Title & Title Transfer
Indiana title rules: Indiana residents must title all watercraft unless specifically exempt from registration; BMV removed the old pre-1986, homemade, and under-$3,000 title exemptions. Title application fee: $15.00. Title transfer fee: $15.00.
Title required: Yes — Indiana residents must title all watercraft unless specifically exempt from registration; BMV removed the old pre-1986, homemade, and under-$3,000 title exemptions
Title application fee: $15.00
Title transfer fee: $15.00
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership 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. 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 | Indiana residents must title all watercraft unless specifically exempt from registration; BMV removed the old pre-1986, homemade, and under-$3,000 title exemptions. Title transfer: $15.00. |
| Tax | 7% state sales/use tax base when due; BMV excise tax and DNR/lake permit charges are separate. |
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. BMV branch processing for new, renewed, or duplicate registrations; renewals and duplicate registration cards may also be processed online. 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 three inches to the right of the registration number on each side of the bow, or as BMV directs when no number display is required
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Indiana Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $25.00 | 1 year | Yes | 7% state sales/use tax base when due; BMV excise tax and DNR/lake permit charges are separate |
| Illinois | $18.00 | 3 years | Yes | 6.25% state use/sales tax base; local tax and RUT/ST forms depend on the purchase |
| 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 |
| Michigan | $14.00 | 3 years (expires March 31 of third year) | Yes | 6% sales tax |
| Ohio | $20.00 | 3 years (expires March 1 of third year) | Yes | 5.75% Ohio state sales/use tax plus applicable local tax may apply; confirm tax proof with the Clerk of Courts or filing office |
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.