Maryland Boat Registration: Fees, Requirements & Guide (2026)

Official Agency Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Fee Range $70.00 – $70.00

Validity Period 2 years

Online Registration Available

Deadline After Purchase 30 days

Title Required Yes

Visit Official MD Registration → Estimate Your Fees

Vessel Types & Exemptions

Common vessel types and registration requirements in Maryland: motorboats, sailboats, personal watercraft, pontoons, and kayaks

In Maryland, all motorized vessels and sailboats on maryland waters. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.

Registration is required for: All motorized vessels and sailboats on Maryland waters

Exempt from registration:

Non-motorized vessels (optional $12 voluntary registration available)
Vessels with valid out-of-state registration temporarily in Maryland

Registration Fees & Costs

Maryland boat registration fees range from $70.00 to $70.00 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 5% sales tax, and title fees are $20.00.

Vessel Class	Reg. Fee	Total
All vessels (2-yr, effective Oct 2025)	$70.00	$70.00

Sales Tax Rate: 5%

Title Fee: $20.00

How to Register Your Boat in Maryland

Step-by-step boat registration process in Maryland: gather documents, complete application, pay fees, receive numbers, display on vessel

To register a boat in Maryland, you must apply within 30 days of purchase through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 2 years.

Registration can be completed:

Online: Through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) portal
In Person: At your local Maryland 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

Title & Title Transfer

Maryland requires a boat title for all vessels requiring registration in maryland. The title application fee is $20.00, and transfers cost $20.00.

Title required: Yes — All vessels requiring registration in Maryland

Title application fee: $20.00

Title transfer fee: $20.00

Required Documents for Title Transfer

Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
Previous title signed by seller (used vessels)
Bill of Sale
Proof of vessel excise tax payment
Valid photo ID

For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.

Registration Renewal

Validity period: 2 years

Renewal is available through the same channels as initial registration — online (if available), in person, or by mail. Be sure to renew before your registration expires to avoid late fees.

For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.

Boater Safety Education Requirements

Maryland requires a boater safety course. Anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a Maryland Boater Education Card to operate any motorized watercraft.

Required: Yes

Who must complete it: Anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a Maryland Boater Education Card to operate any motorized watercraft

Accepted courses: Maryland DNR approved courses, NASBLA-approved online providers

Course cost: Varies by provider; certification is valid for life

Registration Number Display Rules

How to display boat registration numbers in Maryland: placement on forward half of hull, 3-inch minimum height block letters, and validation sticker position

Number format: MD 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 Maryland Compares to Neighboring States

State	Min. Fee	Validity	Title Req.	Sales Tax
Maryland	$70.00	2 years	Yes	5%
Delaware	$20.00	1 year or 3 years	No	0%
Pennsylvania	$22.00	2 years	Yes	6%
Virginia	$32.00	3 years	Yes	2%
West Virginia	$31.50	3 years (expires March 31)	Yes	6%

Maryland Boat Registration FAQ

How much does it cost to register a boat in Maryland?

Maryland's 2-year boat registration fee is $70 (effective October 2025). Title fee is $20. A vessel excise tax also applies to purchases.

Do I need a title for my boat in Maryland?

Yes, all vessels requiring registration must also be titled with Maryland DNR. The title fee is $20 (increased from $2, effective October 2025).

Is boater education required in Maryland?

Yes, anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must have a Maryland Boater Education Card to operate any motorized watercraft. The certification is valid for life.

Can non-residents operate boats in Maryland?

Yes, non-residents with valid out-of-state registration can operate in Maryland for up to 60 days without MD registration or boater education (if 16+).

What is the vessel excise tax in Maryland?

Maryland charges a vessel excise tax on boats purchased in MD or primarily used on MD waters. USCG documented vessels are not exempt and must display a documented use decal.

Can I voluntarily register a kayak or canoe in Maryland?

Yes, owners of non-motorized vessels can voluntarily register for a $12 decal valid for up to two years, though it is not required.

Start Your Registration

Ready to register your boat in Maryland? Visit the official Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website or use our tools to estimate costs.

Official Registration Portal Estimate Your Fees

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 Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 410-260-8300 for the most current information.

Maryland Boat Registration: Fees, Requirements & How to Register (2026)