Quick answer
In North Dakota, registration is required for: Motorized watercraft on North Dakota waters, with ANS sticker rules for non-ND motorized watercraft. Registration is handled by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, is valid for 3 years (2026-2028 cycle), and fees are summarized as $45.00 to $75.00; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: North Dakota Game and Fish Department · Source status: Verified · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In North Dakota, registration is required for: Motorized watercraft on North Dakota waters, with ANS sticker rules for non-ND motorized watercraft. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: Motorized watercraft on North Dakota waters, with ANS sticker rules for non-ND motorized watercraft
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized vessels
- Non-resident watercraft with valid home-state registration, subject to NDGF ANS sticker rules
Registration Fees & Costs
North Dakota boat registration fees can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as $45.00 to $75.00. Sales/use tax: 5% North Dakota sales/use tax may apply to boat purchases; confirm taxable value and filing requirements with the state before purchase or registration. Title fee information: No separate boat title fee listed.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| < 16 ft / motorized canoe (3-yr) | $30.00 | $45.00 |
| 16–19 ft (3-yr) | $45.00 | $60.00 |
| 20+ ft (3-yr) | $60.00 | $75.00 |
Sales Tax: 5% North Dakota sales/use tax may apply to boat purchases; confirm taxable value and filing requirements with the state before purchase or registration
Title Fee: No separate boat title fee listed
How to Register Your Boat in North Dakota
To register a boat in North Dakota, follow the North Dakota Game and Fish Department process and complete registration before operating on public waters. Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 3 years (2026-2028 cycle).
Registration can be completed:
- Online services: Use the North Dakota Game and Fish Department portal for services the agency lists online; original documents may still be required for title or ownership transactions.
- In Person: At your local North Dakota Game and Fish Department 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
North Dakota Boat Title & Title Transfer
North Dakota does not list a separate boat title requirement in current state data; use the official registration and ownership documents the agency requests. No separate boat title fee listed. No separate boat title-transfer fee listed.
Title required: No — North Dakota does not issue separate boat titles; keep bill of sale, prior registration, and NDGF registration records for ownership questions
Title application fee: No separate boat title fee listed
Title transfer fee: No separate boat title-transfer fee listed
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership Transfer
- Bill of Sale
- Previous registration card
- Valid photo ID
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in North Dakota
If you are selling a boat in North Dakota, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. 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 ND |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. Because no separate boat title is listed in current state data, keep the prior registration and sale documents requested by the agency. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | No separate boat title is required in the current state data. |
| Tax | 5% North Dakota sales/use tax may apply to boat purchases; confirm taxable value and filing requirements with the state before purchase or registration. |
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.
North Dakota Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 3 years (2026-2028 cycle)
North Dakota boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current ND 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
North Dakota requires a boater safety course. Youth aged 12-15 operating a motorboat or PWC of 10+ HP without an adult (18+) on board must complete a Boat North Dakota course. The minimum age to operate a vessel is 12.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Youth aged 12-15 operating a motorboat or PWC of 10+ HP without an adult (18+) on board must complete a Boat North Dakota course
Accepted courses: ND Game and Fish 'Boat North Dakota' course (online or free home-study manual)
Course cost: Free home-study or paid online options
Minimum age to operate: 12 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: ND 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: Place registration and ANS stickers according to the NDGF instructions issued with the current certificate or sticker
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How North Dakota Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $45.00 | 3 years (2026-2028 cycle) | No | 5% North Dakota sales/use tax may apply to boat purchases; confirm taxable value and filing requirements with the state before purchase or registration |
| Minnesota | $42.10 | 3 calendar years | Yes | 6.875% state sales/use tax base; local tax, title, lien, and transfer charges may also apply |
| Montana | $65.50 | Permanent (one-time fee; no validation decals required starting 2025) | Yes | 0% sales tax |
| South Dakota | $18.00 | 1 year | Yes | 4.5% South Dakota sales/use tax may apply; confirm local, county treasurer, and filing-specific charges before payment |
North Dakota Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in North Dakota?
Does North Dakota require boat titles?
Is boater education required in North Dakota?
What is the ANS sticker requirement in North Dakota?
Can non-residents operate boats in North Dakota?
When does the current registration cycle expire?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in North Dakota? Visit the official North Dakota Game and Fish Department 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 North Dakota Game and Fish Department at 701-328-6300 for the most current information.