Procedure/Required Documents
You can register or renew your watercraft in person at the Carlton County Motor Vehicle Office.
When you register a new boat for the first time, know its length, manufacturer, model, year, hull material (wood, metal, plastic, etc.), type of propulsion (if motorized), serial or hull identification number and have a sales receipt that shows you have paid sales tax.
When transferring ownership of a titled watercraft, transfer must be executed on Minnesota or foreign-state title. No sales tax is required for sales between individuals.
Boat registrations are good for 3 calendar years (for example January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2007).
Fees
Type of watercraft
| Registration fee
| Aquatic species surcharge
| Issuing fee*
|
---|
Canoes, kayaks, sailboats, sailboards, rowing shells (not rowboats) and paddleboats up to and including 19 feet (over 19 feet same as pleasure craft)
| $7.00
| $5.00
| + issuing fee
|
Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis, etc.)
| $25.00
| $5.00
| + issuing fee
|
Pleasure craft less than 17 feet
| $12.00
| $5.00
| + issuing fee
|
Pleasure craft 17 feet up to and including 19 feet
| $18.00
| $5.00
| + issuing fee
|
Pleasure craft over 19 feet but less than 26 feet
| $30.00
| $5.00
| + issuing fee
|
Pleasure craft 26 feet but less than 40 feet
| $45.00
| $5.00
| + issuing fee
|
Pleasure craft 40 feet in length and over
| $60.00
| $5.00
| + issuing fee
|
Duplicate registration card
| $3.00
| $0.00
| + issuing fee
|
Duplicate decal only
| $0.00
| $0.00
| + issuing fee
|
*For new registration and all transactions involving transfer of ownership, the issuing fee is $8.50. For renewals and duplicates, the issuing fee is $6.00.
Required ID
When registering or renewing a watercraft, you may be required to present one of the following forms of ID:
- Current drivers license (MN or other state)
- Clipped MN license with yellow receipt
- Current MN ID card