New Jersey boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
New Jersey. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and other
resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of general
purpose boat and trailer registration forms on our Forms
page.
Please visit our
State page for additional
articles and information about registering or titling boats and
trailers.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
Please
read our
terms of use before proceeding.
|
Boat Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 169,750 boats registered in New
Jersey. This state ranks 27th among nationwide boat
registrations. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The
registration number prefix for New Jersey is "NJ". |
|
Registration Agency |
Motor Vehicle
Services. |
|
Registration Requirements |
Registration
is required on all power and sail boats over 12' in length.
Motorized boats under 12' such as jet skis must also be
registered. Registration is required for Coast Guard documented
vessels. |
|
Title Requirements |
All
registered vessels over 12' must be titled unless Coast
Guard documented. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
New Jersey
does not have provisions for bonded boat titles or conditional
boat registrations where sufficient proof of ownership is not
otherwise available. In these cases, an award of ownership must
be obtained from a court of proper jurisdiction. |
|
Abandoned Boats |
New Jersey
has procedures for transferring abandoned boats. |
|
Boat Registration Records |
Boat records are maintained for 8 years.
Detailed information on how to obtain verbal and written reports
can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Tax Requirements |
Sales tax is
required on boat transactions in New Jersey. |
|
Loan Perfection |
Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on the state title records. On
Coast Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be
recorded on the vessel's abstract of title. A UCC financing
statement must be filed if the boat is neither titled or
documented. |
|
Ownership Designations |
Joint
ownership method designations are not shown on registrations in
New Jersey. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may register a boat in New Jersey if this is the state of
principal usage |
|
Hull Inspection |
The boat must
be inspected by a New Jersey law enforcement official if there is a
discrepancy with the hull identification number. |
|
Outboard Motors |
New Jersey
does not issue titles or registrations on outboard motors. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Boat trailer
registration is required in New Jersey. Titling is required for
those weighing over 2,000 lbs. |
|
Notary Regulations |
New Jersey
notaries are not required to affix seal on notarized documents.
Attorneys in this state can
act as notaries. |
|
Visitation Period |
A visitation
period of 180 days is allowed for boats that are registered in another state,
Coast Guard documented, or registered in a foreign country. |
