Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick Answer: All motorized vessels in New Jersey must be registered, and boats over 12 feet long must also be titled. You must title your vessel within 10 working days of purchase or face a $25 late penalty. Titling costs $60 ($85 with a lien), and registration costs $5. Non-motorized boats under 12 feet don’t require titling, and US Coast Guard documented vessels don’t need state titling. Once registered, display your registration numbers on the boat’s bow. For more information about New Jersey boating license and registration requirements, visit our page.
In New Jersey, all mechanically propelled boats, regardless of size, must be registered to operate legally. Exceptions include vessels operated transiently from other states, non-mechanically propelled boats like kayaks and canoes, and public vessels.
All mechanically propelled boats, regardless of length, must be registered in New Jersey.
Exceptions:
Vessels operated under a federally approved numbering system by a different state on a transient basis
Documented vessels from other states used temporarily in New Jersey
Vessels from foreign countries temporarily in New Jersey
Public vessels of the United States, state, or its subdivisions
Ship’s lifeboats
Non-mechanically propelled vessels such as canoes, kayaks, and rowboats
Registration Process
Applications can be obtained from marinas, boat dealers, Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agencies, or by contacting:
Motor Vehicle Commission
PO Box 017
225 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666
Website: https://nj.gov/mvc/about/contact.htm
Proof of ownership is required. For untitled boats, acceptable ownership documents may also be used for registration.
Applicants must provide their New Jersey driver’s license number and Social Security number.
Display of Registration Numbers
In New Jersey, the validation or registration decal is placed aft of the registration numbers and letters, as shown below.
Numbers should be formatted:
“NJ” (state prefix) + four-digit number + two-letter suffix
Plain block style
At least 3 inches in height
Contrasting color to the boat’s background
Registration Decals
Registration Decals must be affixed on both sides of the vessel, 3 inches behind the registration number. Decals must be valid and not expired. Remove expired decals before selling the vessel.
Expiration and Renewal
Registration certificates expire annually, one year from the issue date. Renewal notices are sent to the registered owner before expiration.
Exempt from Registration
The following vessels are exempt from registration:
Non-mechanically propelled vessels (e.g., canoes, kayaks, rowboats)
Vessels operated under another state’s federally approved numbering system on a transient basis
Documented vessels from other states temporarily in New Jersey
Public vessels of the United States or its subdivisions
Ship’s lifeboats
Federally Documented Vessels
Federally Documented vessels must be registered in New Jersey if the owner resides, rents, leases, or occupies space in the state (other than transiently).Registration numbers are not required, but validation decals must be displayed on both sides near the main steering station in a visible location.
Boats from Out of State – Reciprocity and Principal Use
Boats registered in other states can operate in New Jersey on a transient basis without additional registration. If New Jersey becomes the vessel’s state of principal use, it must be registered in New Jersey.
