Quick answer
In Maine, registration is required for: All motorized watercraft operating on Maine waters. Registration is handled by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W), is valid for 1 year (January 1 – December 31), and fees are summarized as $16.00 to $60.00; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) · Source status: Verified · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Maine, registration is required for: All motorized watercraft operating on Maine waters. There are 3 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorized watercraft operating on Maine waters
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized vessels (canoes, kayaks, rowing boats)
- Vessels registered in another state for fewer than 60 consecutive days
- Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard when Maine registration is not required
Registration Fees & Costs
Maine boat registration fees can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as $16.00 to $60.00. Sales/use tax: 5.5% state sales/use tax base when due; municipal excise tax and Lake and River Protection sticker treatment can change the filing total. Title fee information: $33.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10 HP (inland) | $41.00 | $41.00 |
| 11–50 HP (inland) | $46.00 | $46.00 |
| 51–115 HP (inland) | $52.00 | $52.00 |
| 116+ HP (inland) | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| 0–10 HP (tidal) | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| 11–50 HP (tidal) | $21.00 | $21.00 |
| 51–115 HP (tidal) | $27.00 | $27.00 |
| 116+ HP (tidal) | $35.00 | $35.00 |
Sales Tax: 5.5% state sales/use tax base when due; municipal excise tax and Lake and River Protection sticker treatment can change the filing total
Title Fee: $33.00
How to Register Your Boat in Maine
To register a boat in Maine, follow the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) process and complete registration before launching. Maine renewal is available online for eligible registrations; first-time registration and excise-tax steps usually go through a town office or registration agent. Registration is valid for 1 year (January 1 – December 31).
Registration can be completed:
- Online services: Use the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) portal for services the agency lists online; original documents may still be required for title or ownership transactions.
- In Person: At your local Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) 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
Maine Boat Title & Title Transfer
Maine title rules: Boats with model year within the last 25 years, unless a Maine title exemption applies. Title application fee: $33.00. Title transfer fee: $33.00.
Title required: Yes — Boats with model year within the last 25 years, unless a Maine title exemption applies
Title application fee: $33.00
Title transfer fee: $33.00
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership Transfer
- Bill of Sale with serial/HIN number
- Previous title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
- Valid photo ID
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Maine
If you are selling a boat in Maine, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W). 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 ME |
|---|---|
| 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 | Boats with model year within the last 25 years, unless a Maine title exemption applies. Title transfer: $33.00. |
| Tax | 5.5% state sales/use tax base when due; municipal excise tax and Lake and River Protection sticker treatment can change the filing total. |
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.
Maine Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 1 year (January 1 – December 31)
Maine boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Maine renewal is available online for eligible registrations; first-time registration and excise-tax steps usually go through a town office or registration agent. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Maine requires a boater safety course. Persons born on or after January 1, 1999, must complete a boater safety course to operate a motorboat 25+ HP or PWC. The minimum age to operate a vessel is 12.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Persons born on or after January 1, 1999, must complete a boater safety course to operate a motorboat 25+ HP or PWC
Accepted courses: Maine IF&W approved courses, online providers
Course cost: Varies by provider
Minimum age to operate: 12 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: ME 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 and any Lake and River Protection sticker as directed by Maine IF&W or town registration materials
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Maine Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | $16.00 | 1 year (January 1 – December 31) | Yes | 5.5% state sales/use tax base when due; municipal excise tax and Lake and River Protection sticker treatment can change the filing total |
| New Hampshire | $47.50 | 1 year (expires December 31) | No | No New Hampshire state sales tax; registration and decal fees still apply |
Maine Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Maine?
Why are inland registration fees higher in Maine?
Is boater education required in Maine?
Do non-residents need the milfoil sticker in Maine?
Does Maine require boat titles?
When does boat registration expire in Maine?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Maine? Visit the official Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) 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 Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) at 207-287-8000 for the most current information.