Boat licensing question

[jwmiller33]

I am in the process of getting my first boat! Anyways, I feel dumb asking this question but how much does it cost to register a boat and get it licensed in MN? Thanks

[Sandmannd]

I believe it's around $35 for three years if I remember right off hand. That's for the boat. Then you have to get a lifetime license and pay tax on the trailer. So that can vary but it isn't bad.

As River Dan says "you can't put a price on Theropy"

[Ralph Wiggum]

Yeah, it's about $35 give or take. So cheap I often wonder why they even bother.

[jwmiller33]

ya wow, that isn't bad at all. what is the deal with the lifetime license? explain please

[Pat K]

Trailers under 3000 lb. GVW get a permanent registration sticker you put on the frame by the hitch. No plates to display, no tabs to renew.

[jwmiller33]

so if i have a little 14ft lund on a trailer, chances are that it falls under 3000 lbs, so i dont need to register it or license it or anything? is that correct?

[Ralph Wiggum]

so if i have a little 14ft lund on a trailer, chances are that it falls under 3000 lbs, so i dont need to register it or license it or anything? is that correct?

Assuming it's already licensed, it should be good to go. I think you'll end up paying sales tax on the trailer (they ask you what it's worth--say like $50 or so if it's old and small) and the title transfer fee, but after that, no yearly registration fee.

[jwmiller33]

awesome. so i just have to pay the sales tax for the trailer. the title transfer fee is for the boat right? or is there one for the trailer also?

thanks i really appreciate the help

[Ralph Wiggum]

A 14' boat will more than likely not have a title. I think you only need a title on a boat bigger than 16'. The trailer will be titled, though.

Wait, I just noticed you're a Tommie. I shouldn't be helping you Go Johnnies!

[croixflats]

Yeah, it's about $35 give or take. So cheap I often wonder why they even bother.

$38 got mine sitting in front of me. Lets wait and see if Pawlenty puts another service fee on us

[titelines]

Yep, I just renewed mine yesterday. 3 yrs. = $38.00.

[jwmiller33]

how about if i buy it from out of state, say iowa? then do i have to register it in mn or anything?

[Double D]

how about if i buy it from out of state, say iowa? then do i have to register it in mn or anything?

Are you talking about the boat, the trailer or both?

DD

[jwmiller33]

both

[croixflats]

If your a resident of Minnesota everything you own that requires registration must be registered through Minnesota. Now if you have current registration through another state on it and say you were checked no fine or any thing like that they will just tell you to get it transfered but they may ask you more questions to make sure it belongs to you. It may take longer than a routine check.

[minneman]

Croix, you say yours is $38? how long is your boat?

I have one of mine in front of me too and the total for my 22' is $56..? I wasn't aware they charge differently.

[Down Deep]

Yeah, it's about $35 give or take. So cheap I often wonder why they even bother.

Because there is about 850,000 of them..

[Ralph Wiggum]

Originally Posted By: Ralph Wiggum

Yeah, it's about $35 give or take. So cheap I often wonder why they even bother.

Because there is about 850,000 of them..

Yeah, but there are many more cars on the road and they're charging way more. I'd have no problems paying $35/year instead of every three years, and the DNR would have more money to play with!

[Down Deep]

$12.50 a year sounds good engough for me. I'd rather keep my money and paly with it myself.

[Pat K]

You need to change the registration of the trailer to your name even if it has the permanent sticker.

You don't legaly "own" the boat or trailer untill they are registered in your name. If you don't transfer the registration on the trailer, if you are in an accident your insurance won't cover the trailer because you don't own it. My wife works at a Deputy Registrars and people are tracing ownership of a boat back 2 or 3 owners to find the registered owner of a trailer to get them insured.

Put a low value on the trailer and the sales tax will be cheap and $12.00 to transfer the registration to your name.

No sales tax on the boat just a transfer fee and 3 year license.

[croixflats]

Croix, you say yours is $38? how long is your boat?

I have one of mine in front of me too and the total for my 22' is $56..? I wasn't aware they charge differently.

18 ft

boy I wasnt aware of that either, that aint right. Should be the same accross the board. Man thats a big jump for only 4 feet.