Indiana Boat Registration:
Requirements, Fees & How to Apply (2026)
Complete guide to Indiana boat registration. Learn about fees ($25-$49), required documents, online registration, title transfer, and renewal process.
Key Takeaway: Indiana requires registration for motorized watercraft (including those with electric trolling motors) and sailboats over 11 feet must be registered in indiana and display valid decals. Registration fees range from $25 to $49 and are valid for 1 year (annual renewal). A boat title is required. Boater education is mandatory. Online registration is available.
Which Boats Need Registration in Indiana?
Must Register
All motorized watercraft (including those with electric trolling motors) and sailboats over 11 feet must be registered in Indiana and display valid decals.
Exemptions
- Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and paddleboards
- Sailboats 11 feet and under
- Vessels used exclusively on private waters
- Government-owned vessels
Indiana Boat Registration Fees & Costs
Registration Process in Indiana
Gather Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documentation including proof of ownership, identification, and HIN verification.
Choose Registration Method
Register online, by mail, or in person at your local Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office.
Submit Application & Pay Fees
Complete the registration form and pay the applicable fees. Deadline: Before operating on Indiana waters after purchase.
Receive Registration Number
Once approved, you will receive your registration certificate, number, and validation stickers.
Display Registration Number
Affix the registration number and stickers to your vessel according to state display requirements.
Required Documents Checklist
Boat Title & Title Transfer in Indiana
All motorized watercraft and sailboats operated on Indiana waters must be titled through the Indiana BMV.
Issued by: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
Submit the signed title from the seller, a completed application, a bill of sale, proof of sales tax payment, and the title transfer fee to any Indiana BMV branch office.
$15.00
$15.00
Available
Registration Renewal in Indiana
Boater Safety Education in Indiana
All operators born after December 31, 1986, must complete a boater education course approved by the Indiana DNR before operating a motorboat or PWC on Indiana waters.
- Persons born on or before December 31, 1986
- U.S. Coast Guard licensed operators
- Operators with a valid boater education card from a NASBLA-recognized state
Registration Number Display Rules
All registered vessels in Indiana must display their registration number and validation stickers according to the following requirements:
Indiana vs Neighboring States
Neighboring state data will be available once more states are added.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Boat Registration
How much does it cost to register a boat in Indiana?
Indiana initial registration fees combine a length-based fee ($15–$24) with an excise class fee based on MSRP ($5–$25) plus a $5 annual DNR fee. For example, a 20-foot boat with an MSRP around $5,000 costs about $33 for initial registration plus annual excise tax.
How long is boat registration valid in Indiana?
Indiana boat registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Annual renewal fees are based on the watercraft's excise class (original MSRP) and range from $15 to $60.
Can I register my boat online in Indiana?
Yes, Indiana allows boat registration and renewal through the BMV's online services. You can also visit any Indiana BMV branch office in person.
Do I need a title for my boat in Indiana?
Yes, all motorized watercraft and sailboats operated on Indiana waters must be titled through the Indiana BMV. The title fee is $15.
What is the boat excise tax in Indiana?
Indiana requires an annual boat excise tax based on the watercraft's class (original price) and age. If a boat is held in storage and not used on waterways, a flat $12 storage tax applies instead.
Is boater education required in Indiana?
Yes, all operators born after December 31, 1986, must complete a boater education course approved by Indiana DNR before operating a motorboat or PWC on Indiana waters.
Do non-residents need to register their boat in Indiana?
Non-residents with valid home state registration may operate in Indiana for up to 60 days. After that period, Indiana registration is required.
What are the annual lake permits in Indiana?
Annual lake permits are separate from registration and are required for privately-owned boats using state parks, state-managed lakes, or state forest lakes. They cost $25 for motorized boats and $5 for non-motorized boats.
Ready to Register Your Boat in Indiana?
Visit the official Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) / Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website to start your boat registration or renewal.
Register at Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles