Last verified: April 24, 2026 | Source: NC VL-1 Form, revised 11/2025
NC registration fees depend on three things: vessel length, whether titling is included, and whether you’re filing new or renewing. Here’s the current fee schedule.
Registration Fees
| Filing type | 1-year | 3-year |
|---|---|---|
| Without title (under 14 ft) | $36 | $96 |
| New/transfer + title (under 26 ft) | $71 | $131 |
| New/transfer + title (26 ft or greater) | $91 | $191 |
| Renewal (under 26 ft) | $34 | $94 |
| Renewal (26 ft or greater) | $54 | $154 |
Replacement Fees
| Document | Fee |
|---|---|
| Duplicate registration | $9 |
| Duplicate title | $16 |
What Drives Your Cost
- Vessel length is the biggest factor — vessels 26 feet or longer cost more
- New vs. renewal — renewals are slightly cheaper than new registrations
- 1 vs. 3 years — the 3-year option saves money per year for most owners
How Fees Are Paid
Fees go to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission when you submit Form VL-1. Boat registration in NC is handled by NC Wildlife — not the DMV.
See How to Register a Boat in North Carolina for step-by-step instructions, or How to Renew Your NC Boat Registration if your registration is expiring.
BoatForms helps you choose the right filing path so you don’t pay for avoidable delays.