Quick answer
In Vermont, registration is required for: All motorized vessels including personal watercraft on Vermont waters. Registration is handled by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), is valid for 1 year or 2 years, and fees are summarized as $33.00 to $305.00 including the listed Clean Air Fund add-on; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) · Source status: Verified · Last checked in site data: August 10, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Vermont, registration is required for: All motorized vessels including personal watercraft on Vermont waters. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorized vessels including personal watercraft on Vermont waters
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and non-motorized sailboats
- Vessels from reciprocal states for up to 90 consecutive days
Registration Fees & Costs
Vermont boat registration fees can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as $33.00 to $305.00 including the listed Clean Air Fund add-on. Sales/use tax: 6% sales tax. Title fee information: Agency-specific for titleable vessels; confirm current title transaction fee with Vermont DMV.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Class A: < 16 ft (1-yr) | $31.00 | $33.00 |
| Class A: < 16 ft (2-yr) | $57.00 | $59.00 |
| Class I: 16–25 ft (1-yr) | $49.00 | $51.00 |
| Class I: 16–25 ft (2-yr) | $93.00 | $95.00 |
| Class II: 26–39 ft (1-yr) | $80.00 | $82.00 |
| Class II: 26–39 ft (2-yr) | $155.00 | $157.00 |
| Class III: 40+ ft (1-yr) | $153.00 | $155.00 |
| Class III: 40+ ft (2-yr) | $303.00 | $305.00 |
Vermont DMV lists one-year and two-year boat registration options; this site table includes the listed Clean Air Fund add-on where shown.
Sales Tax: 6% sales tax
Title Fee: Agency-specific for titleable vessels; confirm current title transaction fee with Vermont DMV
How to Register Your Boat in Vermont
To register a boat in Vermont, follow the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) process and complete registration before operating on public waters. Vermont myDMV online services are available for eligible registration and renewal tasks; titleable or tax-sensitive transactions may require DMV document review. Registration is valid for 1 year or 2 years.
Registration can be completed:
- Online services: Use the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) portal for services the agency lists online; original documents may still be required for title or ownership transactions.
- In Person: At your local Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 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
Vermont Boat Title & Title Transfer
Vermont title rules: Vessels 16+ feet and 15 years old or newer (model year 2011+ for 2026). Title application fee: Agency-specific for titleable vessels; confirm current title transaction fee with Vermont DMV. Title transfer fee: Confirm current title-transfer fee with Vermont DMV.
Title required: Yes — Vessels 16+ feet and 15 years old or newer (model year 2011+ for 2026)
Title application fee: Agency-specific for titleable vessels; confirm current title transaction fee with Vermont DMV
Title transfer fee: Confirm current title-transfer fee with Vermont DMV
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 (6%)
- Valid photo ID
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Vermont
If you are selling a boat in Vermont, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). 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 VT |
|---|---|
| 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 | Vessels 16+ feet and 15 years old or newer (model year 2011+ for 2026). Title transfer: Confirm current title-transfer fee with Vermont DMV. |
| Tax | 6% sales 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.
Vermont Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 1 year or 2 years
Vermont boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Vermont myDMV online services are available for eligible registration and renewal tasks; titleable or tax-sensitive transactions may require DMV document 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
Vermont requires a boater safety course. Anyone born after January 1, 1974, must complete an approved boater safety course to operate a motorized vessel or PWC.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Anyone born after January 1, 1974, must complete an approved boater safety course to operate a motorized vessel or PWC
Accepted courses: Vermont-approved courses, NASBLA-approved online providers
Course cost: Varies by provider
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: VT 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 Vermont DMV registration materials
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Vermont Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $33.00 | 1 year or 2 years | Yes | 6% sales tax |
| Massachusetts | $44.00 | 2 years | Yes | 6.25% Massachusetts sales/use tax when due; proof-of-tax or exemption documents may be required |
| New Hampshire | $47.50 | 1 year (expires December 31) | No | No New Hampshire state sales tax; registration and decal fees still apply |
| New York | $22.50 | 3 years | Yes | 4% New York state sales/use tax plus applicable local tax may apply; confirm tax proof and local rate with DMV or the Tax Department |
Vermont Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Vermont?
Do I need a title for my boat in Vermont?
Is boater education required in Vermont?
What sales tax applies to boats in Vermont?
Can non-residents operate boats in Vermont?
When does boat registration expire in Vermont?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Vermont? Visit the official Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 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 Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at 802-828-2000 for the most current information.