Boating in Iowa

Registration, titles, boater education and taxes, from Iowa DNR (via county recorders) and other official sources.

Registering agency	Iowa DNR (via county recorders)
Registration fees	3-yr registration, full-cycle amounts (01/01/2025-04/30/2026; prorated later): motor/sail <16 ft $28.15; 16-<26 ft $41.65; 26-<40 ft $80.65; 40+ ft $155.65; PWC $50.65; non-motor $17.65; title $13.50
Renewal	3 years
Title	yes for vessels 17 ft or longer (except canoes, kayaks, inflatables)
Boater education	12 through 17 year olds who operate a motorboat over 10 h.p. or a PWC. [per USCG-hosted NASBLA state survey; survey date not shown, may be outdated]; ages 12-17 for a motorboat over 10 hp or a PWC [per USCG-hosted NASBLA survey; may be outdated]
Sales/use tax	5% state + local
Property tax	no
Forms	Official forms

Sources

Checked 2026-10-24. Rules change; confirm with the agency.