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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