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 costs $45.50 to $65.50 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: Utah Division of Motor Vehicles / Division of Outdoor Recreation · Last checked in site data: June 23, 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 range from $45.50 to $65.50 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 6.1% sales tax, and title fees are $6.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| < 16 ft (annual, resident) | $20.00 | $45.50 |
| 16+ ft or PWC (annual, resident) | $40.00 | $65.50 |
Sales Tax Rate: 6.1%
Title Fee: $6.00
How to Register Your Boat in Utah
To register a boat in Utah, you must apply within Before operating on public waters of purchase through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles / Division of Outdoor Recreation. Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 1 year (annual renewal).
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles / Division of Outdoor Recreation portal
- In Person: At your local Utah Division of Motor Vehicles / Division of Outdoor Recreation 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
Utah Boat Title & Title Transfer
Utah requires a boat title for watercraft manufactured 1985 or later (exceptions for canoes and inflatable vessels with ≤ 25 HP outboard motor); boats pre-1985 with motors > 25 HP. The title application fee is $6.00, and transfers cost $6.00.
Title required: Yes — Watercraft manufactured 1985 or later (exceptions for canoes and inflatable vessels with ≤ 25 HP outboard motor); boats pre-1985 with motors > 25 HP
Title application fee: $6.00
Title transfer fee: $6.00
Required Documents for Title 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. 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 watercraft manufactured 1985 or later (exceptions for canoes and inflatable vessels with ≤ 25 HP outboard motor); boats pre-1985 with motors > 25 HP; title transfer fee is $6.00. |
| Tax | 6.1% 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.
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 Fees, AIS Course and Online Steps (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: Within 6 inches of registration number
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 | $45.50 | 1 year (annual renewal) | Yes | 6.1% |
| Arizona | $20.00 | 1 year (12 months) | No | 5.6% |
| Colorado | $60.25 | 1 year (January 1 – December 31) | No | 2.9% |
| Idaho | $41.50 | 1 year (expires December 31) | Yes | 6% |
| Nevada | $20.00 | 1 year (expires December 31) | Yes | 6.85% |
| New Mexico | $60.00 | 3 years | Yes | 5% |
| Wyoming | $40.00 | 1 year or 3 years | Yes | 4% |
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.