WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION

Costs and Requirements for FWA Watercraft Stickers

The Fox Waterway Agency requires all watercraft on the Chain O’Lakes to display a valid sticker each year. This page outlines the fees for each type of sticker and explains any additional charges.

Purchase Your Sticker

Whether you are purchasing a sticker for the first time or renewing one, start here by logging in or registering in our new online system.

Sticker Fees

Watercraft Fee
Class A: Motor-powered boats 15 HP or less $60.00
Class B: Motor-powered boats, personal watercraft, & jet skis over 15 HP, NOT exceeding 25 feet in length $125.00
Class C: Motor-powered boats over 15 HP, greater than 25 feet in length, NOT exceeding 30 feet in length $210.00
Class E: Motor-powered boats over 15 HP & greater than 30 feet in length $250.00
Class X: NON-Motor-powered boats (Exempt from out-of-state fee) $20.00
Class W: Any boat involved in waterfowl hunting activity, WITHOUT A CURRENT STICKER. (Available August 1st thru December 31st, yearly. A current valid hunting license is required to purchase a sticker and any applicable out-of-state fees.) $45.00
Temporary Permits:
Class J – 1-Day: Any boat length.  Permit is VALID FOR 24 HOURS – ON THE DAY OF PURCHASE ONLY. $25.00
Class F – 10-Day: Any boat length.  To be used for 10 consecutive days. $75.00
Commercial Endorsement – An additional fee will be charged for any commercial boats using the system for business purposes, including, but not limited to: dealer boats, towboats, work boats, barges tour boats, party boats, food service, fishing guides, and rentals. (Fox Waterway Agency Office, In-Person purchase only)
Dealer Boats: Various lengths. $250.00
Work/Rental Boats – Class B, C, E, or X; based on length Doubled Rate

Additional Fees

Watercraft/Fee Description Fee
In Person Processing Fee: Purchase a sticker at the FWA or Satellite office ($2.00 Temporary / $10.00 Annual) $2.00 / 10.00
Credit Card Transaction Fee 2.5%
Out of State Fee:  Proof of state registration may be required.   One-day and ten-day permits and non-motorized watercraft that don’t require state registration numbers are exempt. $50.00
Lost Stickers: The holder of a user fee sticker that has been lost shall be re-issued a user fee sticker for the balance of the year upon the filing of an application and payment of a $20.00 fee. Proof of original purchase is required. No replacements after 90 days from the date of purchase. (Lost stickers can only be processed at the Fox Waterway Agency Office.) $20.00
Transfer Policy: Applies to the original owner only. Original stickers must be returned when applying for a transfer. $5.00 + upgrade in class if applicable
Duplicate Purchases: Refunds requested for duplicate permit purchases for the same boat and same owner, shall be issued upon proof of duplicate purchase and return of one set of permits in reusable condition. The refund will be for the sticker fee only, less a $20.00 fee. Requests for refunds must be made within 30 days of purchase. (Duplicate sticker refunds can only be processed at the Fox Waterway Agency Office.) Refund will be for sticker fee only, less $20
Returned Check $30.00
Refunds: NO REFUNDS will be issued after April 1st of each boating season. Prior to April 1st

VIOLATIONS OR NON-COMPLIANCE OF USER FEE ORDINANCE COULD RESULT IN A FINE OF UP TO $1,000 AND WATERWAY ACCESS TO BE REVOKED