Boat Registration Kayaks and canoes must be registered in the state of Illinois. Currently the initial fee for registration is $ 13.00 (for 3 years). Renewal is then $6 (for 3 years). The first link is the form for registering. IL DNR Boats Page Print Application (pdf) Online Registration Renewal DNR watercraft Digest for a more detailed summary for the actual text of the law (625 ILCS 45)