Quick answer
In Missouri, registration is required for: All motorized boats and sailboats longer than 12 feet on Missouri waters. Registration is handled by the Missouri Department of Revenue / State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division, is valid for 3 years, and costs $25.00 to $150.00 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: Missouri Department of Revenue / State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division · Last checked in site data: March 13, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Missouri, registration is required for: All motorized boats and sailboats longer than 12 feet on Missouri waters. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorized boats and sailboats longer than 12 feet on Missouri waters
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized vessels 12 feet or less
- Vessels from another state temporarily in Missouri
Registration Fees & Costs
Missouri boat registration fees range from $25.00 to $150.00 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 4.225% sales tax, and title fees are $7.50.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| < 16 ft (3-yr) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| 16–25 ft (3-yr) | $55.00 | $55.00 |
| 26–39 ft (3-yr) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| 40+ ft (3-yr) | $150.00 | $150.00 |
Sales Tax Rate: 4.225%
Title Fee: $7.50
How to Register Your Boat in Missouri
To register a boat in Missouri, you must apply within 30 days from acquisition of purchase through the Missouri Department of Revenue / State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division. Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 3 years.
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the Missouri Department of Revenue / State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division portal
- In Person: At your local Missouri Department of Revenue / State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division 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
Missouri Boat Title & Title Transfer
Missouri requires a boat title for all motorized boats and sailboats longer than 12 feet. The title application fee is $7.50, and transfers cost $7.50.
Title required: Yes — All motorized boats and sailboats longer than 12 feet
Title application fee: $7.50
Title transfer fee: $7.50
Required Documents for Title Transfer
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title (used vessels)
- Bill of Sale
- Proof of sales tax payment (4.225% state + local)
- $9 processing fee
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Missouri
If you are selling a boat in Missouri, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Missouri Department of Revenue / State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division. 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 MO |
|---|---|
| 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 all motorized boats and sailboats longer than 12 feet; title transfer fee is $7.50. |
| Tax | 4.225% 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.
Missouri Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 3 years
Missouri boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current MO 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
Missouri requires a boater safety course. Anyone born after January 1, 1984, must complete a Missouri Boater Education class or pass a test before operating any motorized vessel on Missouri lakes.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Anyone born after January 1, 1984, must complete a Missouri Boater Education class or pass a test before operating any motorized vessel on Missouri lakes
Accepted courses: MO State Highway Patrol Water Patrol-approved courses, NASBLA-approved providers
Course cost: Free (classroom by marine troopers) or paid online; $15 boater ID card from Water Patrol
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: MO 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 Missouri Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $25.00 | 3 years | Yes | 4.225% |
| Arkansas | $7.50 | 3 years | Yes | 6.5% |
| Illinois | $18.00 | 3 years | Yes | 6.25% |
| Iowa | $17.65 | 3 years (May 1 to April 30 cycle) | Yes | 6% |
| Kansas | $42.50 | 3 years | No | 6.5% |
| Kentucky | $32.20 | 1 year (expires April 30) | Yes | 6% |
| Nebraska | $32.00 | 3 years | Yes | 5.5% |
| Oklahoma | $3.25 | 1 year or 3 years (July 1 – June 30) | Yes | 4.5% |
| Tennessee | $15.86 | 1, 2, or 3 years | No | 7% |
Missouri Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Missouri?
Do I need a title for my boat in Missouri?
Is boater education required in Missouri?
Does Missouri charge annual property tax on boats?
Can non-residents operate boats on Missouri lakes?
How long is boat registration valid in Missouri?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Missouri? Visit the official Missouri Department of Revenue / State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division website or use our tools to estimate costs.
Related Resources
- Arkansas Boat Registration
- Illinois Boat Registration
- Iowa Boat Registration
- Kansas Boat Registration
- Kentucky Boat Registration
- Nebraska Boat Registration
- Oklahoma Boat Registration
- Tennessee Boat Registration
- Compare Registration Costs Across All States
- How to Register a Boat: Step-by-Step Guide
- Boat Title Transfer Guide
- Registration Fee Calculator
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 Missouri Department of Revenue / State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division at 573-751-4509 for the most current information.