Boat Registration and Licenses

What to Register

All motorized boats.

What Not to Register

• Kayaks.

• Canoes.

• Non-motorized sailboats.

Exemptions

• Any vessel registered in another state and not used in Vermont for more than 90 consecutive days.

• Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Requirements and Procedures

• Complete a Vermont Motorboat Registration and Title Application.

• Include, for tax purposes, your bill of sale. For tax exceptions, read page three of instructions that accompany the registration form.

• Provide a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) if it's new, or the boat's title if previously owned.

• Pay all registration fees (see below) and taxes.

Fees

• Class A, less than 16 feet: $22

• Class I, between 16 and 26 feet: $38

• Class II, between 26 and 40 feet: $65

• Class III, 40 feet and longer: $131

Renewals and Replacements

All registration certificates are valid for one year and expire on December 31st. You should receive a renewal form approximately three weeks prior to expiration.

Renew Online

Unavailable.

Renew in Person

Take renewal form to any Department of Motor Vehicle's (DMV) office or to your Town Clerk.

Renew by Mail

Department of Motor vehicles
120 State St.
Montpelier, Vermont 05603-0001

Replace Lost Registration

Visit any DMV office and complete a duplicate registration form. Cost: $2

Boater License

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1974, must complete a Vermont-approved boating safety course in order to operate a motorboat.

You must be at least age 12 to operate a boat with more than six horsepower.

Boater Safety Course

State-approved classes are offered by the Vermont State Police.

• Classroom courses are offered throughout the state, but generally only in June and July.

• Online courses are offered year-round.