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 fees are summarized as Three-year registration base fees from $25 to $150 before title, outboard motor title, processing, local tax, lien, or personal property tax items; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Missouri Department of Revenue / State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division · Source status: Manual verify · 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 can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as Three-year registration base fees from $25 to $150 before title, outboard motor title, processing, local tax, lien, or personal property tax items. Sales/use tax: 4.225% state sales/use tax base plus applicable local tax when due; personal property tax is separate. Title fee information: $7.50 boat title fee before outboard motor title, lien, processing, or local-office charges.
| 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: 4.225% state sales/use tax base plus applicable local tax when due; personal property tax is separate
Title Fee: $7.50 boat title fee before outboard motor title, lien, processing, or local-office charges
How to Register Your Boat in Missouri
To register a boat in Missouri, follow the Missouri Department of Revenue / State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division process and complete registration within 30 days from acquisition. Missouri DOR boat title and registration filings are document-based; use DOR forms, a license office, or DOR instructions for the transaction type. Registration is valid for 3 years.
Registration can be completed:
- In Person: At your local Missouri Department of Revenue / State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division 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
Missouri Boat Title & Title Transfer
Missouri title rules: All motorized boats and sailboats longer than 12 feet. Title application fee: $7.50 boat title fee before outboard motor title, lien, processing, or local-office charges. Title transfer fee: $7.50 title transfer fee before outboard motor title, lien, processing, or local-office charges.
Title required: Yes — All motorized boats and sailboats longer than 12 feet
Title application fee: $7.50 boat title fee before outboard motor title, lien, processing, or local-office charges
Title transfer fee: $7.50 title transfer fee before outboard motor title, lien, processing, or local-office charges
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership Transfer
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title (used vessels)
- Bill of Sale
- Proof of sales tax payment (4.225% state + local)
- Title, registration, tax, and processing fee payment as DOR requires
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. 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 motorized boats and sailboats longer than 12 feet. Title transfer: $7.50 title transfer fee before outboard motor title, lien, processing, or local-office charges. |
| Tax | 4.225% state sales/use tax base plus applicable local tax when due; personal property tax is separate. |
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. Missouri DOR boat title and registration filings are document-based; use DOR forms, a license office, or DOR instructions for the transaction type. 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 options or paid online providers may be available; confirm current card or provider fees with 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: Display validation decals as directed by Missouri DOR or Water Patrol registration materials
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% state sales/use tax base plus applicable local tax when due; personal property tax is separate |
| Arkansas | $7.50 | 3 years | Yes | Sales tax is collected when due; Arkansas does not charge sales tax on casual individual-to-individual boat sales |
| Illinois | $18.00 | 3 years | Yes | 6.25% state use/sales tax base; local tax and RUT/ST forms depend on the purchase |
| Iowa | $17.65 | 3 years (May 1 to April 30 cycle) | Yes | 6% state sales/use tax base; local tax or proof-of-tax treatment may affect the final county recorder total |
| Kansas | $42.50 | 3 years | No | 6.5% state sales tax base; dealer tax proof, local tax, or exemption documents may affect the final filing |
| Kentucky | $25.00 | 1 year (expires April 30) | Yes | 6% state sales/use tax base when due; county property tax, title, lien, and clerk charges are separate |
| Nebraska | $32.00 | 3 years | Yes | 5.5% state sales/use tax base when due; local tax, title, lien, and county transaction charges may also apply |
| Oklahoma | $3.25 | 1 year or 3 years (July 1 – June 30) | Yes | Oklahoma boat excise tax and registration fees are based on the state fee schedule, not a flat sales-tax estimate; confirm the final amount with Service Oklahoma |
| Tennessee | $15.86 | 1, 2, or 3 years | No | Tennessee sales/use tax may apply; county clerk, local tax, and single-article rules can affect the final amount |
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.