Registration and launch permits
What paperwork your boat needs depends on whether it has a motor.
Boats with a motor (gas or electric)
Every boat with a motor must be registered, including boats with only an electric motor. PFBC: Register/Title a Boat.
In state parks and forests, motorboats must show a current PFBC registration. DCNR: Boating in Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests.
Boats are registered in the state where they are primarily used. PFBC: Register/Title a Boat.
Visiting from another state
A boat validly registered in its home state is treated as compliant while temporarily operating in Pennsylvania. 58 Pa. Code §93.11(c).
Several DCNR park pages say motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. DCNR Moraine State Park boating page.
Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and other unpowered boats
Kayaks, canoes, SUPs, rowboats and sailboats without motors need a registration, a PFBC launch permit or a DCNR launch permit at PFBC lakes and access areas and at state parks and forests. PFBC: Launch Permit vs. Unpowered Boat Registration.
Launch (use) permit fees
PFBC launch (use) permit: $12 for 1 year or $22 for 2 years, plus issuing-agent fees. 48 Pa.B. 7185 (Nov. 10, 2018), sections C and D · 58 Pa. Code §53.27(f)
PFBC launch (use) permit: $12 for 1 year or $22 for 2 years, effective January 1, 2019 (48 Pa.B. 7185), plus any issuing-agent fee. 48 Pa.B. 7185 (Nov. 10, 2018), sections C and D.
Read the exact wording
C. Effective Date The effective date of the new price schedule is January 1, 2019. D. Fee Schedule Boat Launching Permit | 1 Year | $12.00 Boat Launching Permit | 2 Year | $22.00
An issuing agent other than PFBC or DCNR may add an agent fee of up to $1 per transaction. 58 Pa. Code §53.27(f).
PFBC's comparison chart lists $22.00 for both a 2-year unpowered registration and the launch permit, not counting agent fees. PFBC: Launch Permit vs. Unpowered Boat Registration (chart)
The Code's §53.27(f) still prints the original 2001 fees; the Commission changed them by notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin (48 Pa.B. 7185, effective January 1, 2019).
Verified Oct. 4, 2026. If DCNR or PFBC change permit prices, a new Bulletin notice is published; check pa.gov before you buy.
Where the permit rules come from
State parks 17 Pa. Code §11.219(i)(3) · Commission lakes 58 Pa. Code §53.8(f) · State forests 17 Pa. Code §21.109(e)(3)