Oct. 1, 2025, marks the start of crisp fall temperatures, falling leaves, and higher boating title and registration fees in the state of Maryland.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds boaters that an increase to fees (along with a few additional changes) was approved by the Maryland General Assembly in April. This is the first hike in vessel title and registration fees since 1983.
DNR says the increase is necessary because, in the last 42 years, there have been “significant increases to costs associated with providing support and administration of boating titles and registrations.” Raising the fees would bring DNR’s funding in line with inflationary changes over the past four decades, the agency says.
Boat Act Advisory Committee leaders worked together with boating industry groups to determine the fees and structure. They set boat registrations at $70 every two years, a significant increase from $24 every two years DNR says is adjusted for inflation. There is also a voluntary $12 registration if individuals want to register their non-motorized vessels such as canoes and kayaks, so that the Natural Resource Police can easily identify owners if these vessels become loose during flooding or other events. While it’s strictly voluntary, the registration “will allow the boat owner to be reunited with their watercraft, without wasting search and rescue resources.”
In another notable change, boaters with a vessel of 16 feet or less, powered by a 7.5hp motor or less, must now pay a registration fee. In the past, boaters in that category could be issued a registration without a fee. DNR justifies the shift by saying, “It takes DNR employees the same amount of time and supplies to issue registration documents for a vessel that is 16 feet or less with a 7.5HP motor as it does to issue those documents for a larger vessel. DNR can no longer afford to do business this way.”
And boats that are documented through the U.S. Coast Guard will no longer get a discount on their Maryland registration decals. DNR explains, “The previous fee no longer covers the cost of salaries, supplies, and postage.”
Revenue from boating titles and registrations fund DNR Fishing and Boating Services, Licensing and Registration Service, and the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Because fees had not increased in 42 years, DNR says, it had to use other funds to cover these costs. The new registration and title revenue will free up more funds to improve boating access in Maryland.
For comparison, Virginia’s registration and title fees range from $32 to $50 for boats ranging under 16′ to over 40′ long. Registrations must be renewed every three years. All motorized vessel must be registered, including small jon boats with trolling motors.
To stay on top of changes to Maryland boating regulations, visit the DNR website and sign up for emails.
