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Title: Watercraft Registration
Alternate Title:
Description: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Subject: Creation Date: 9/11/2008 2:18:33 PM
Modification Date: 4/7/2026 5:18:56 PM

Agency Name: Natural Resources (DNR), Minnesota Department of
Agency URL: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us
Agency Description: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the state's natural resources, hunting, fishing, state forests, state parks, lakes, rivers, streams, boating and water safety, trails, snowmobiling, skiing, education, enforcement, wildlife management, lands and minerals.
Agency Phone: 651-296-6157
888-646-6367
Agency Fax: Agency URL: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Agency Address: Natural Resources (DNR), Minnesota Dept. of
500 Lafayette Rd.

St. Paul
MN 55155

Unit Name: Registration and Titling Section -Watercraft, Recreational motor vehicle & snowmobile registrations
Unit URL:
Unit Description:
Unit Phone: 651-296-2316
800-285-2000
651-296-5484 (TTY Metro area)
800-657-3929 (TTY)
Unit Fax: Contact person(s): info.dnr@state.mn.us
Unit URL:

Audience: Application URL: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html
Renewal URL: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html
Versa URL:
Requirements:

Review Watercraft licenses - registration procedures and fees

Registration procedures

Register your new watercraft:

In person at any MN Dept. of Public, DVS (Driver & Vehicle Services) office locations (where you license your car) or at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4026.
If your new boat (except kayaks or canoes) is longer than 16', your dealer will apply for title and registration (license) on your behalf, and is responsible for providing you with license materials.

When you register your boat for the first time, know its length, manufacturer, type of hull material (wood, metal, or plastic), type of propulsion, model, year, serial or hull identification number (HIN) and have a sales receipt that shows you have paid the sales tax.

Length is the straight-line distance from the foremost part of the boat (bow) to the rearmost part of the boat (stern). Bowsprits, outboard motor brackets, rudders and other attachments are not included in the measurement.

Boat registrations are good for 3 calendar years.

Renew your watercraft registration:

In person at any DVS (Driver & Vehicle Services) office locations (where you license your car) or at the DNR License Bureau in St. Paul (500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4026).
Online License Sales

See also 2026 Minnesota Boating Guide