Quick answer
In Oregon, registration is required for: All motorboats (regardless of length) and sailboats 12 feet and longer operated on Oregon waters. Registration is handled by the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB), is valid for 2 years (biennial, expires December 31), and fees are summarized as $115.10 to $138.90; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) · Source status: Verified · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Oregon, registration is required for: All motorboats (regardless of length) and sailboats 12 feet and longer operated on Oregon waters. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorboats (regardless of length) and sailboats 12 feet and longer operated on Oregon waters
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized boats under 10 feet
- Non-residents with valid home-state registration, subject to Oregon AIS or waterway access permit rules
Registration Fees & Costs
Oregon boat registration fees can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as $115.10 to $138.90. Sales/use tax: No Oregon state sales tax, but OSMB title, registration, AIS, and waterway access permit fees can still apply. Title fee information: $75.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Per-foot biennial rate (example: 18 ft boat) | $107.10 | $115.10 |
| Per-foot biennial rate (example: 22 ft boat) | $130.90 | $138.90 |
Sales Tax: No Oregon state sales tax, but OSMB title, registration, AIS, and waterway access permit fees can still apply
Title Fee: $75.00
How to Register Your Boat in Oregon
To register a boat in Oregon, follow the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) process and complete registration before operating on public waters. OSMB online services may support eligible title, registration, renewal, and permit transactions; ownership documents may still need agency review. Registration is valid for 2 years (biennial, expires December 31).
Registration can be completed:
- Online services: Use the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) portal for services the agency lists online; original documents may still be required for title or ownership transactions.
- In Person: At your local Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) 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
Oregon Boat Title & Title Transfer
Oregon title rules: All motorboats (regardless of length) and sailboats 12 feet and longer. Title application fee: $75.00. Title transfer fee: $75.00.
Title required: Yes — All motorboats (regardless of length) and sailboats 12 feet and longer
Title application fee: $75.00
Title transfer fee: $75.00
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership Transfer
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title (used vessels)
- Bill of Sale
- Valid photo ID
- Late transfer penalty ($25) if submitted 30+ days after purchase
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Oregon
If you are selling a boat in Oregon, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB). 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 OR |
|---|---|
| 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 motorboats (regardless of length) and sailboats 12 feet and longer. Title transfer: $75.00. |
| Tax | No Oregon state sales tax, but OSMB title, registration, AIS, and waterway access permit fees can still 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.
Oregon Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 2 years (biennial, expires December 31)
Oregon boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. OSMB online services may support eligible title, registration, renewal, and permit transactions; ownership documents may still need agency 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
Oregon requires a boater safety course. All operators of motorboats with 10+ HP on Oregon waters must complete a state-approved boating safety course and carry a Boater Education Card; youth 12-15 must also complete the course. The minimum age to operate a vessel is 12.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: All operators of motorboats with 10+ HP on Oregon waters must complete a state-approved boating safety course and carry a Boater Education Card; youth 12-15 must also complete the course
Accepted courses: OSMB-approved courses, NASBLA-approved/USCG-recognized providers
Course cost: Varies by provider
Minimum age to operate: 12 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: OR 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 validation decals according to OSMB title and registration materials for the assigned Oregon number
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Oregon Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $115.10 | 2 years (biennial, expires December 31) | Yes | No Oregon state sales tax, but OSMB title, registration, AIS, and waterway access permit fees can still apply |
| California | $36.00 | 2 years | Yes | 7.25% statewide base plus applicable local district tax/use tax |
| Idaho | $31.50 | 1 year (expires December 31) | Yes | 6% state sales/use tax base; local-option tax or exemptions may affect the final transaction |
| Nevada | $20.00 | 1 year (annual renewal; renewal opens December 1) | Yes | Sales/use tax proof is required when applicable; NDOW states occasional sales are not required |
| Washington | $43.25 | 1 year (annual renewal) | Yes | 6.5% Washington state sales/use tax plus local tax may apply; annual watercraft excise tax and DOL filing fees can also apply |
Oregon Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Oregon?
Do I need a title for my boat in Oregon?
Is boater education required in Oregon?
Do non-residents need an AIS permit in Oregon?
How are Oregon registration fees calculated?
Does Oregon have sales tax on boats?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Oregon? Visit the official Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) 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 Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) at 503-378-8587 for the most current information.