Do You Need a License to Use a Kayak? A 50-State Guide For Kayak Registration

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While it might be tempting for a brand-new kayak user to head straight to the water and take your new kayak on its maiden voyage, you might first be asking yourself, do you need a license to use a kayak? it’s important to know your particular state’s requirements as far as a license or permit for kayaking and paddleboats.

While a kayak will have different rules and regulations regarding its use compared to a water vessel propelled by a motor, almost every state will have regulations you need to know before heading out on the water for the first time. While these regulations and licensing can vary by state, most states will have a set of water vessel regulations that must be followed if you want to kayak on public waterways and lakes.

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Do You Need to License a Kayak?

It’s tough to answer this question as almost every state has its own set of rules for certain situations. For instance, in Kansas as long as your kayak does not have a motor or a sail, you’re good to go without any type of registration or license requirement. However, Kansas does require the use of a life jacket and navigation lights for use during periods of restricted visibility.

Do Kayaks Need to be Registered?

As opposed to Kansas, other states do require registrations. Ohio for example requires water-going vessels to be registered through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This is true even for inflatable kayaks. After registration, you will be supplied a decal that must be displayed on your kayak or other water-going vessels. This registration’s cost for a kayak used with a paddle is $20 and includes two decals for display.

Want to know if your state requires a license or registration? Follow below for a state-by-state table to see what rules you’ll need to follow where you live.

Do You Need a License to Kayak on a River?

Again, this will depend and differ on a state-by-state basis. Most of the time, the best resource is to check online through a particular state’s agency that governs waterways, boating, and wildlife.

A river might be different from a lake that is controlled by a state agency or park. A river can cross through states and jurisdictions. You should take special considerations to find out if the river you want to kayak on has special registrations or license rules for kayaks or other vessels.

Does a Kayak With a Motor Need to Be Registered?

Most states will allow a trolling motor or other small motors to be added to a kayak, however, most states will require that a motorized vessel be titled and registered.

Notable State Kayak License and Registration Information

Kayak Registration for Ohio

If you want to use a kayak in the state of Ohio, you must first get a kayak license. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, there are registrations required for any recreational boat. This is including kayaks, paddleboards canoes, and even belly boats.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Kayak in Ohio?

If you are just wanting to register a Kayak in Ohio, the Ohio kayak registration fee is $20 for a traditional registration. This will get you two decals for your kayak or other hand-powered vessels.

When To Renew Kayak Registration in Ohio?

Each time you register your kayak this registration will be good for three years and will expire on March 1st of the year it’s due for renewal. The good news is that you won’t be required to pay a late fee if you renew after March 1st.

When renewing your kayak registration, you can simply go online here, and renew an existing registration. All you will need is your PIN and kayak information used to register originally.

Ohio Kayak Registration Locations

If you are registering your kayak for the first time, you’ll need to go in-person to a Boat Registration Agent or at a local Watercraft Office. You can find a Registration Agent from this list or find a Watercraft Office near you.

Kayak Registration in PA (Pennsylvania)

Getting a kayak license in Pennsylvania will go through the state’s Fish and Boat Commission. According to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, a person will need a permit for an un-powered boat only if they are being used at a Fish & Boat Commission access area or lake, or Pennsylvania state parks and state forests.

Do I Need a Launch permit For a Kayak In PA?

Instead of registering your kayak or other unpowered boats, you have the option of getting what is called a launch permit. A launch permit is a less expensive way to essentially register your kayak, but only if you plan on using the kayak within the state of Pennsylvania.

In case you’re wondering where to get a PA kayak launch permit, you can get a launch permit for PA online here or a launch permit office.

State-by-State Kayak License and Registration Information

Below we’ll give a comprehensive list on a state-by-state basis of where you can find license and registration information.

Kayak Registration Alabama

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: N/A
  • How much Does it Cost: N/A
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Use of a floatation device and a flashlight or lantern as a navigation light.

Kayak Registration Alaska

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles website
  • How much Does it Cost: N/A
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: If a motor is added to a kayak, the kayak must immediately be registered.

Kayak Registration Arizona

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Arizona Game and Fish Department
  • How much Does it Cost: $20.00 for kayak with a motor.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Registration is only required for a kayak with a motor.

Kayak Registration Arkansas

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Only kayaks propelled by a motor or sail require a license/registration.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
  • How much Does it Cost: $7.50 for kayak with a motor.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: If registered, you must keep the registration card onboard and available for inspection.

Kayak Registration California

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. kayaks that use a paddle does not have to register.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: California Department of Motor Vehicles
  • How much Does it Cost: Fee can vary in certain situations.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Kayaks with a motor should be registered.

Kayak Registration Colorado

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
  • How much Does it Cost: $35.25
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Connecticut

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
  • How much Does it Cost: $7.50 with motor or sail, $11.25 over 12 feet long.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Connecticut recommends putting an “If Found” sticker on your kayak.

Kayak Registration Delaware

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: Yes. Vessel registration is required.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Delaware Fish and Wildlife. Registration form can be found here.
  • How much Does it Cost: Annual cost for 16′ or less is $20.00
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: When a vessel is in use, the registration card must be on board at all times.

Kayak Registration Florida

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Florida Department of Motor Vehicles issues vessel titles and registration.
  • How much Does it Cost: Nothing if kayak is less than 16′ without a motor. If kayak has a motor, fee is $5.50 for 12′ and under and $16.25 is 12′ to 16′ long. Registration will also include $2.25 service fee and $.50 FRVIS fee.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Non-motor powered canoe, kayak, racing shell or rowing scull regardless of length are exempt from registration.

Kayak Registration Georgia

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Kayaks that have no mechanical propulsion are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Not required. If kayak includes motor, registration information can be found here.
  • How much Does it Cost: Vessels less than 16′ in length are $35.00
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: If registration is required, Georgia has specific instructions regarding registration

Kayak Registration Hawaii

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Kayaks that are manually propelled are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Registration can be obtained from a Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation office.
  • How much Does it Cost: Cost depends on length, determined at the local DOBOR office.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Idaho

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Idaho Parks and Recreation website has registration information and there is also a Frequently Asked Question sheet here.
  • How much Does it Cost: Kayaks with a motor will cost $30.00 for 12′ and under, $32.00 for 13′, $34.00 for 14′, $36.00 for 15′ and $38.00 for 16′ in length.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Kayaks still need to use a light between sunset and sunrise. Kids 14 years and under must be wearing a life jacket on all boats 19′ and under. Each person on board must have a USCG approved life jacket. Sound producing device must also be on board the kayak. Kayaks must have an Idaho Invasive Species sticker unless kayak is an inflatable under 10′.

Kayak Registration Illinois

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Illinois application can be found here. Illinois Department of Natural Resources includes information for registration.
  • How much Does it Cost: If kayak has a motor, price is $28.00 for kayaks regardless of length.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Indiana

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: Yes. A lake permit is required for personal watercraft whether motorized or non-motorized. This includes kayaks.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Indiana Department of Natural Resources includes permit information.
  • How much Does it Cost: Motorized kayak is $25.00 and non-motorized kayak is $5.00
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: There are certain lakes that don’t require a lake permit. All streams and rivers, including the Ohio River don’t require a permit for a kayak.

Kayak Registration Iowa

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Kayaks that are 13′ or less without a motor or a sail.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Iowa Department of Natural Resources has registration information. Their website also includes a registration PDF that can be found here.
  • How much Does it Cost: If your kayak has a motor or sail, it’s $27.40 for registration.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Registration must be renewed every 3 years.

Kayak Registration Kansas

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. kayaks without a motor or sail are exempt from registration.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Kayaks with a motor or sail can get registration information through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website.
  • How much Does it Cost: $42.50 registration fee
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Kentucky

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website.
  • How much Does it Cost: For kayaks with a motor registration fee is $10.00
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Kayaks must carry type I, II, or III personal flotation device on board.

Kayak Registration Louisiana

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.
  • How much Does it Cost: $32.00 for a vessel 14′ or less.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Maine

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Maine Department of Fisheries & Wildlife
  • How much Does it Cost: 0-10 HP motor with a lake and river protection sticker is $31.00, without lake and river protection sticker: $16.00
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: All watercraft, including kayaks must have a USCG approved PFD for each person on board.

Kayak Registration Maryland

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Online through Maryland Department of Natural resources or in person at a DNR Service Center
  • How much Does it Cost: No fee for 16′ and under or 7.5 HP and under. $24.00 if over with applicable taxes.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Massachusetts

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Main Mass.gov website for boat registration.
  • How much Does it Cost: 2 year registration is $44.00 for 16′ and under.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Michigan

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Registration can be done online through their ExpressSOS system, through mail or in person at a Secretary of State office.
  • How much Does it Cost: $14.00 for 3 year registration.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: If a non-motorized kayak is used commercially, there is a $5.00 fee

Kayak Registration Minnesota

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt from registration.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources page for licenses, permits and regulations.
  • How much Does it Cost: If kayak is motorized or over 10′ cost is $10.50
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Non-motorized kayaks must be 10′ or less to be exempt.

Kayak Registration Mississippi

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks Boating Registration page. Online registration can be found here.
  • How much Does it Cost: Less than 16 feet is $10.20
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Any vessel with propulsion machinery is required to register.

Kayak Registration Missouri

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. A kayak solely propelled by oars or paddles are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Missouri Department of Revenue website
  • How much Does it Cost: $7.50 for a three year license.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Montana

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department Boating Regulations and Registration page. Registration must take place through the County Treasurer’s Office.
  • How much Does it Cost: $65.50 for a motorized kayak less than 16 feet. Registration is permanent.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Kayaks must include a either a white light or navigational lights. Life jackets are required for each person on board.

Kayak Registration Nebraska

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Local County Treasurer Office. Registration info can be found on the Nebraska Game and Parks website.
  • How much Does it Cost: If the kayak is motorized and less than 16 feet the fee is $27.00
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Kayak owners have the option to register their kayak if taken to another state that will require registration. Registrations last for 3-years.

Kayak Registration Nevada

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: The Nevada Department of Wildlife has very limited information for kayak and other paddle craft. Their main page is for paddle craft safety on the water. If you’re kayak is motorized you must contact an office of the Department of Taxation found here.
  • How much Does it Cost: N/A
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Each person on board must use a life jacket.

Kayak Registration New Hampshire

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Registration information can be found through the Division of Motor Vehicles. Registrations must be submitted in-person.
  • How much Does it Cost: The specific fee must be obtained through the DMV by calling a DMV boat registration office. You can also register at marinas, town halls or sports shops
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration New Jersey

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission
  • How much Does it Cost: $12.00 registration fee if under 16 feet.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: If your kayak includes a motor, you must complete a boating safety course in addition to registering the kayak.

Kayak Registration New Mexico

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: All registration information can be found through the New Mexico State Parks home page for vessel registration.
  • How much Does it Cost: Less than 16 feet is $28.50
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: New Mexico strongly encourages kayaks to be titled even though it is not required. Adding a sail or trolling motor to a kayak will require registration and titling.

Kayak Registration New York

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Online registration is available here.
  • How much Does it Cost: A kayak with a motor less than 16 feet costs $26.25
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: When registering, a boat education course is also required.

Kayak Registration North Carolina

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission web page for boating registration.
  • How much Does it Cost: Choose from 1-year and 3-year registration. 1-year is $35.00 for less than 14 feet and $95.00 for a 3-year registration.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration North Dakota

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: North Dakota Department of Game & Fish watercraft registration.
  • How much Does it Cost: Motorized kayak regardless of length is $18.00
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Oklahoma

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt. A kayak is classified as a canoe in Oklahoma. The canoe is described as a light narrow boat with both ends sharp and which is propelled by paddling. Kayaks are included in this description.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Oklahoma Department of Motor Vehicles, for boats and outboard motors.
  • How much Does it Cost: If motor is less than $150, cost is $3.25. If motor is more than $150, cost is $2.25 plus $1.00 for every $100.00 of the price over $150.00
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Oregon

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: Yes. Non-motorized kayaks are required to obtain a waterway access permit. If the kayak is under 10 feet long a permit is not required. Non-motorized kayaks do not have to be titled and registered.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: The Waterway Access Permit information can be found here.
  • How much Does it Cost: 1-week Waterway Access Permit is $5.00, 1-year permit is $17.00 and 2-year permit is $30.00. If using a trolling motor on your kayak, registration fee is $70.45 to $100.20 depending on length
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Kayaks must have a wearable life jacket for each person on board, a sound device such as a whistle or an air horn, navigation lights.

Kayak Registration Rhode Island

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: If a non-motorized kayak is 12 feet in length or shorter the kayak is exempt. If a non-motorized kayak is 14 feet or longer it must be registered.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Rhode Island Office of Management Services/Licenses/Boating Registration web page.
  • How much Does it Cost: $32.00 up to 15 feet. Over 15 feet is $42.00
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Kayaks with motors will also need to be titled using special boat titling fee structure.

Kayak Registration South Carolina

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources web page for boating, title and registration.
  • How much Does it Cost: $25.00 for registration.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration South Dakota

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: Kayaks 12 feet and less in length do not require registration. Kayaks over 12 feet and all motorized kayaks require registration.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Registration can be done at a local County Treasurer’s Office.
  • How much Does it Cost: Non-motorized kayaks over 12 feet and motorized kayaks are $15.00
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: Some streams in South Dakota require fencing to cross them. There are certain requirements for kayaks at stream fence crossings.

Kayak Registration Tennessee

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency page for boating.
  • How much Does it Cost: $10.00 for the Tennessee Boater Education Course.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: For a TN boating license, you must pass the TN Boater Education Course taken in person at a TWRA exam location site.

Kayak Registration Texas

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks under 14 feet are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Texas Parks & Wildlife website
  • How much Does it Cost: A motorized kayak less than 16 feet costs $32.00
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Utah

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Utah Division of Motor Vehicles page for Boats-Watercraft. Also information through Utah Department of Natural Resources
  • How much Does it Cost: $43.50 for motorized kayak
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Vermont

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
  • How much Does it Cost: $31.00 fee for a 1-year registration on motorized kayak.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: If your kayak has a trolling motor you will need to take a boating safety education course. The course can be taken online here.

Kayak Registration Virginia

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources boating registration page.
  • How much Does it Cost: Kayak less than 16 feet with motor is $27.00
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Washington State

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Registration documents can be found through the Recreation and Conservation Office here.
  • How much Does it Cost: For motorized kayak, cost is $36.00 total
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: When launching a kayak at a Washington State Park you must buy a $7.00 launch permit. The permit can be purchased here.

Kayak Registration West Virginia

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt. Kayaks using a motor less than 3 HP are also exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: West Virginia Department of Natural Resources includes registration requirements.
  • How much Does it Cost: Kayaks less than 16 feet in length and motorized are $30.00. Registration lasts for 3-years.
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Wisconsin

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources boat registration and titling.
  • How much Does it Cost: A motorized kayak less than 16 feet costs $22.00 for 3-year registration
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

Kayak Registration Wyoming

  • Kayak Registration/Permit/License Required: No. Non-motorized kayaks are exempt.
  • Where to get Kayak license and registration information: Registration can be done online or in person at a regional office. Registration application can be found here.
  • How much Does it Cost: Motorized kayak costs $30.00 for 1-year registration
  • Special Rules or Restrictions: N/A

You are viewing this post: Do You Need a License to Use a Kayak? A 50-State Guide For Kayak Registration. Information curated and compiled by Kayaknv.com along with other related topics.

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