Boat Information

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