Quick answer
In Maryland, registration is required for: Motorized vessels and other vessels required by Maryland DNR when Maryland is the principal state of use. Registration is handled by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is valid for 2 years, and fees are summarized as $70 for a standard two-year vessel registration before title, lien, documented-use decal, optional non-motorized decal, or excise-tax amounts; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) · Source status: Verified · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Maryland, registration is required for: Motorized vessels and other vessels required by Maryland DNR when Maryland is the principal state of use. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: Motorized vessels and other vessels required by Maryland DNR when Maryland is the principal state of use
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 can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as $70 for a standard two-year vessel registration before title, lien, documented-use decal, optional non-motorized decal, or excise-tax amounts. Sales/use tax: 5% Maryland vessel excise tax when due; exemptions, credits, documented-vessel treatment, and any statutory cap should be confirmed with DNR. Title fee information: $20 title fee before lien, replacement, documented-vessel, or service-center charges.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| All vessels (2-yr, effective Oct 2025) | $70.00 | $70.00 |
Sales Tax: 5% Maryland vessel excise tax when due; exemptions, credits, documented-vessel treatment, and any statutory cap should be confirmed with DNR
Title Fee: $20 title fee before lien, replacement, documented-vessel, or service-center charges
How to Register Your Boat in Maryland
To register a boat in Maryland, follow the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) process and complete registration within 30 days of purchase. Eligible renewals can be handled online; original title, transfer, documented-vessel, excise-tax, or special cases may require DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center review. Registration is valid for 2 years.
Registration can be completed:
- Online services: Use the Maryland 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 Maryland 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
Maryland Boat Title & Title Transfer
Maryland title rules: All vessels requiring registration in Maryland. Title application fee: $20 title fee before lien, replacement, documented-vessel, or service-center charges. Title transfer fee: $20 standard title transfer fee before lien, excise-tax, or service-center charges.
Title required: Yes — All vessels requiring registration in Maryland
Title application fee: $20 title fee before lien, replacement, documented-vessel, or service-center charges
Title transfer fee: $20 standard title transfer fee before lien, excise-tax, or service-center charges
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership 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.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Maryland
If you are selling a boat in Maryland, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Maryland 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 MD |
|---|---|
| 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 vessels requiring registration in Maryland. Title transfer: $20 standard title transfer fee before lien, excise-tax, or service-center charges. |
| Tax | 5% Maryland vessel excise tax when due; exemptions, credits, documented-vessel treatment, and any statutory cap should be confirmed with DNR. |
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.
Maryland Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 2 years
Maryland boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Eligible renewals can be handled online; original title, transfer, documented-vessel, excise-tax, or special cases may require DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center review. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
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
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: Display validation decals or documented-use decals as directed by Maryland DNR registration materials
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% Maryland vessel excise tax when due; exemptions, credits, documented-vessel treatment, and any statutory cap should be confirmed with DNR |
| Delaware | $20.00 | 1 year or 3 years | No | No Delaware state sales tax |
| Pennsylvania | $22.00 | 2 years | Yes | 6% Pennsylvania sales/use tax may apply, with local surtax in some jurisdictions; confirm tax proof before filing |
| Virginia | $32.00 | 3 years | Yes | 2% Virginia Watercraft Sales Tax on watercraft and motor, capped at $2,000; confirm credit and taxable value with DWR |
| West Virginia | $31.50 | 3 years (expires March 31) | Yes | 6% West Virginia sales/use tax may apply; personal property tax proof and DMV title/registration fees can also affect filing |
Maryland Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Maryland?
Do I need a title for my boat in Maryland?
Is boater education required in Maryland?
Can non-residents operate boats in Maryland?
What is the vessel excise tax in Maryland?
Can I voluntarily register a kayak or canoe in Maryland?
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.
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.