Quick answer
In Minnesota, registration is required for: All motorized watercraft and non-motorized boats over 10 feet on Minnesota waters. Registration is handled by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is valid for 3 calendar years, and costs $42.10 to $228.10 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Minnesota, registration is required for: All motorized watercraft and non-motorized boats over 10 feet on Minnesota waters. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorized watercraft and non-motorized boats over 10 feet on Minnesota waters
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized boats 10 feet or less
- Vessels from another state for fewer than 90 consecutive days
Registration Fees & Costs
Minnesota boat registration fees range from $42.10 to $228.10 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 6.875% sales tax, and title fees are $15.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Canoe/kayak/sailboat < 19 ft/SUP (3-yr) | $23.00 | $42.10 |
| Motorized < 17 ft (3-yr) | $36.00 | $55.10 |
| Motorized 17–19 ft (3-yr) | $59.00 | $78.10 |
| Motorized 20–25 ft (3-yr) | $113.00 | $132.10 |
| Motorized 26–39 ft (3-yr) | $164.00 | $183.10 |
| Motorized 40+ ft (3-yr) | $209.00 | $228.10 |
Sales Tax Rate: 6.875%
Title Fee: $15.00
How to Register Your Boat in Minnesota
To register a boat in Minnesota, you must apply within Before operating on public waters of purchase through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 3 calendar years.
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) portal
- In Person: At your local Minnesota 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
Minnesota Boat Title & Title Transfer
Minnesota requires a boat title for watercraft longer than 16 feet. The title application fee is $15.00, and transfers cost $10.00.
Title required: Yes — Watercraft longer than 16 feet
Title application fee: $15.00
Title transfer fee: $10.00
Required Documents for Title Transfer
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title signed by seller (used vessels)
- Bill of Sale
- Title issuing fee ($7)
- Valid photo ID
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Minnesota
If you are selling a boat in Minnesota, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Minnesota 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 MN |
|---|---|
| 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 watercraft longer than 16 feet; title transfer fee is $10.00. |
| Tax | 6.875% 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.
Minnesota Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 3 calendar years
Minnesota boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current MN 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
Minnesota requires a boater safety course. Phased requirement: born after June 30, 2004, effective July 1, 2025; born after June 30, 2000, effective July 1, 2026; expanding through 2028. The minimum age to operate a vessel is 12.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Phased requirement: born after June 30, 2004, effective July 1, 2025; born after June 30, 2000, effective July 1, 2026; expanding through 2028
Accepted courses: Minnesota DNR-approved courses, NASBLA-approved online providers
Course cost: Approximately $34.95 for online courses
Minimum age to operate: 12 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: MN 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 Minnesota Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $42.10 | 3 calendar years | Yes | 6.875% |
| Iowa | $17.65 | 3 years (May 1 to April 30 cycle) | Yes | 6% |
| North Dakota | $45.00 | 3 years (2026-2028 cycle) | No | 5% |
| South Dakota | $18.00 | 1 year | Yes | 4.5% |
| Wisconsin | $17.00 | 3 years | Yes | 5% |
Minnesota Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Minnesota?
Do I need a title for my boat in Minnesota?
Is boater education required in Minnesota?
What is the AIS surcharge in Minnesota?
Can non-residents operate boats in Minnesota?
Do kayaks and canoes need registration in Minnesota?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Minnesota? Visit the official Minnesota 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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 651-296-6157 for the most current information.