2026 Will Cost Minnesota Boat Owners More Money

A new year often means making resolutions, but it also means new laws, fees, and taxes go into effect in Minnesota. One new fee that is expected to hit Minnesotans this year is the watercraft surcharge fee. It's going up in 2026, and it could cost you anywhere from $14 to $62 more to license your boat, if it's due this year.

How Much Will The Fee Increase Cost You

The new, higher watercraft surcharge fee will hit Minnesotans differently, depending on the type of boat they have. Plus, the surcharge isn't your license fee; that is separate. Here's how the new surcharge breaks down:

• Personal Watercraft/Pleasure Craft Less Than 17' - $25.00 + Registration & Issuing Fee
• Pleasure Craft from 17'-19' - $29.00 + Registration & Issuing Fee
• Pleasure Craft over 19' but less than 26' - $38.00 + Registration & Issuing Fee
• Pleasure Craft 26' but less than 40' - $50.00 + Registration & Issuing Fee
• Pleasure Craft over 40' - $62.00 + Registration & Issuing Fee

You can see the full breakdown, including the registration and issuing fees, by heading to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources page. 

Not All Minnesotans Will Be Affected By The Fees This Year

Because Minnesota boat registrations are good for 3 years, for example, Jan 1, 2003 - Dec 31, 2005, not every owner will be hit up for the fee, but eventually all boat owners will.

What Is The Surcharge Fee Going To?

The new surcharge will go towards fighting aquatic invasive species like Starry Stonewort, Eurasian Watermilfoil, and Zebra mussels.

Get our free mobile app

Need To License/Register Your Watercraft?

You can do that where you get your car tabs, or you can go online and make your payment, and they will mail you your registration, as they do with license tabs. Learn more about registration here. 

READ MORE FROM PAUL SHEA