620,000+Registered Vessels
$12Title Fee
All motorizedTitling Threshold
1 yearRegistration Term
Wisconsin Overview
Wisconsin DNR handles all boat registration on Wisconsin's 15,000+ named lakes and 84,000 miles of rivers and streams. Wisconsin processes registration and title simultaneously at DNR Service Centers or county clerk offices.
Wisconsin Registration Fees (Annual)
| Vessel Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Non-motorized under 16 ft | $18 |
| Motorized under 16 ft | $22 |
| 16 ft – under 26 ft | $33 |
| 26 ft – under 40 ft | $45 |
| Personal Watercraft | $33 |
Sales tax: 5% state + county/municipal (total typically 5%–5.5%). Collected at DNR Service Center or county clerk at registration.
Wisconsin Title Transfer
- Seller signs the back of the Wisconsin Certificate of Title.
- Buyer completes Form 9400-233 (Wisconsin Boat Registration/Title Application) — available at dnr.wisconsin.gov or any DNR Service Center.
- Submit to DNR Service Center or county clerk: title, application, bill of sale, photo ID, payment ($12 title + 5% sales tax + registration fee).
- Processing: 3–4 weeks for new title. Registration certificate issued same-day.
WI DNR: (888) 936-7463 | dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/boating
Free Checklist: Wisconsin Boat Registration
Everything you need — documents, fees, and form numbers for your specific situation.
Disclaimer: Fees and procedures change. Verify with your state agency before submitting applications.