Quick answer
In Utah, registration is required for: All motorized vessels and sailboats operated on Utah waters. Registration is handled by the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles / Division of Outdoor Recreation, is valid for 1 year (annual renewal), and fees are summarized as $40-$60 base resident registration/AIS subtotal before Utah uniform fees; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Utah Division of Motor Vehicles / Division of Outdoor Recreation · Source status: Verified · Last checked in site data: August 10, 2026 · All official state agencies
Utah Registration Guides
Use these Utah-specific guides for renewal, title, tax, non-resident, vessel-type, and paperwork questions that need more detail than the state overview.
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Utah, registration is required for: All motorized vessels and sailboats operated on Utah waters. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorized vessels and sailboats operated on Utah waters
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized vessels without sails
- Non-residents with valid home-state registration for up to 60 days per calendar year
Registration Fees & Costs
Utah boat registration fees can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as $40-$60 base resident registration/AIS subtotal before Utah uniform fees. Sales/use tax: Sales/use tax varies by registration locality. Title fee information: $6.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| < 16 ft resident base registration + AIS, before Utah uniform fees | $20.00 | $40.00 |
| 16+ ft or PWC resident base registration + AIS, before Utah uniform fees | $40.00 | $60.00 |
Utah's 2026 Boating Grant Tax and uniform fee vary by vessel type, age, and length. Use the official DMV estimator or fee schedule for the final amount before filing.
Sales Tax: Sales/use tax varies by registration locality
Title Fee: $6.00
How to Register Your Boat in Utah
To register a boat in Utah, follow the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles / Division of Outdoor Recreation process and complete registration before operating on public waters. Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 1 year (annual renewal).
Registration can be completed:
- Online services: Use the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles / Division of Outdoor Recreation portal for services the agency lists online; original documents may still be required for title or ownership transactions.
- In Person: At your local Utah Division of Motor Vehicles / Division of Outdoor Recreation 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
Utah Boat Title & Title Transfer
Utah title rules: Watercraft manufactured 1985 or later, except canoes and inflatable vessels powered by an outboard motor of 25 HP or less; outboard motors over 25 HP manufactured 1985 or later are titled separately. Title application fee: $6.00. Title transfer fee: $6.00.
Title required: Yes — Watercraft manufactured 1985 or later, except canoes and inflatable vessels powered by an outboard motor of 25 HP or less; outboard motors over 25 HP manufactured 1985 or later are titled separately
Title application fee: $6.00
Title transfer fee: $6.00
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
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Utah
If you are selling a boat in Utah, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles / Division of Outdoor Recreation. 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 UT |
|---|---|
| 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 | Watercraft manufactured 1985 or later, except canoes and inflatable vessels powered by an outboard motor of 25 HP or less; outboard motors over 25 HP manufactured 1985 or later are titled separately. Title transfer: $6.00. |
| Tax | Sales/use tax varies by registration locality. |
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.
Utah Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 1 year (annual renewal)
Utah boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current UT state data. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For renewal-specific steps, see Utah Boat Registration Renewal: DMV Online Steps, AIS & Fees (2026). For the national renewal overview, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Utah requires a boater safety course. All boaters (residents and non-residents) must complete annual mussel-aware boater course (free). Youth ages 12-17 operating PWC must complete a state-approved boater education course. The minimum age to operate a vessel is 12.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: All boaters (residents and non-residents) must complete annual mussel-aware boater course (free). Youth ages 12-17 operating PWC must complete a state-approved boater education course.
Accepted courses: Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation courses, NASBLA-approved providers
Course cost: Mussel-aware course is free; PWC education course varies by provider
Minimum age to operate: 12 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: UT 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 Utah DMV/DOR registration materials
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Utah Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | Varies | 1 year (annual renewal) | Yes | Sales/use tax varies by registration locality |
| Arizona | $20.00 | 1 year (12 months) | No | 5.6% state transaction privilege/use tax base before local rates and exemptions |
| Colorado | $61.25 | 1 year (January 1 – December 31) | No | 2.9% state sales/use tax base before local rates and exemptions |
| 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 |
| New Mexico | $60.00 | 3 years | Yes | 5% boat excise tax may apply when a boat required to be registered is titled; confirm value, exemptions, and filing details with MVD |
| Wyoming | $40.00 | 1 year or 3 years | Yes | Wyoming state and local sales/use tax proof may be required before county title and WGFD registration are complete |
Utah Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Utah?
Do I need a title for my boat in Utah?
What is the mussel-aware boater course?
Is boater education required in Utah?
Can non-residents operate boats in Utah?
What changes are coming in 2026 for Utah boating?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Utah? Visit the official Utah Division of Motor Vehicles / Division of Outdoor Recreation 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 Utah Division of Motor Vehicles / Division of Outdoor Recreation at 801-297-7780 for the most current information.