New Jersey Small Motorboat Guide: Licensing and Registration Explained

Navigating the waterways of New Jersey with a small motorboat is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re planning a peaceful day of fishing on a serene lake or exploring the winding rivers, understanding the regulations is crucial for a safe and legal experience. This guide, based on official information, will walk you through everything you need to know about licensing and registering your small motorboat in New Jersey, specifically for non-tidal waters.

Boating Safety Course: Your First Step to Smooth Sailing

Before you even think about hitting the water with your motorboat, completing a boating safety course is paramount. For operating any power-driven vessel on New Jersey’s non-tidal waters, successfully finishing a course approved by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) is mandatory to obtain your New Jersey Boating Safety Course Certificate. This certificate is your foundational document for legal operation.

To find a course and get detailed information, the NJSP Marine Service Bureau website is your go-to resource. They provide comprehensive details on approved courses and requirements.

Boating Safety Manual

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VNFoGzHfHc#t=277

Getting Your Motorboat or Jet Ski License: Requirements and Process

Once you’ve armed yourself with the Boating Safety Certificate, you can proceed to obtain your motorboat or personal watercraft license. Here’s what you need to know:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to apply. If you are 16 but under 17, you’ll need to bring a consent letter signed by your parent or legal guardian.
• Required Documents: Head to a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agency and bring the following:
  • Your New Jersey Boating Safety Course Certificate
  • Proof of identity: 6 Points of ID as specified by the MVC.
• License Fee: Be prepared to pay an $18.00 license fee. The MVC accepts various payment methods, including American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, checks, money orders, and cash.

Renewing your license follows the same procedure as getting your initial one, ensuring your credentials remain up-to-date.

Titling and Registering Your Boat: Essential for Legal Waterway Use

In New Jersey, titling and registration are necessary for almost all boats used in state waterways. There are a few exceptions, primarily for vessels not based in New Jersey for extended periods or non-motorized, smaller crafts.

Boats that DO NOT require titling and registration:

• Boats not based in NJ or operating for less than 180 consecutive days.
• Foreign vessels and U.S. public vessels.
• Ship’s lifeboats.
• Non-motorized vessels used exclusively on private, small lakes and ponds.
• Racing vessels with a NJ State Marine Police permit.
• Non-motorized inflatables, surfboards, racing shells, dinghies, canoes, and kayaks.
• Non-motorized vessels under 12 feet in length.
• Tenders/dinghies used for direct transport between a vessel and shore.

Note: Boats 12 feet or less or documented by the US Coast Guard do not receive a title.

Initial Boat Title and Registration: Step-by-Step

To title and register your boat for the first time:

1. Complete the Applications: Fill out the Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA) and the Boat Registration Application Form (BA-51).
2. Provide Proof of Ownership: Gather the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), title, or if from a non-titling state, the seller’s registration and a notarized bill of sale. (Specific instructions apply to documented vessels).
3. Lien Holder Information: If your boat is financed, provide the lien holder’s name and address. New Jersey lien holders must have an Entity Identification Number (EIN). The original title will be sent directly to the lien holder.

Remember, boats must be titled within 10 working days of purchase to avoid a $25 penalty.

Titling and Registering a Homemade Boat: A Unique Process

For those who’ve built their own boats, the process is slightly different:

1. Visit an MVC Agency: Go to an MVC agency with identification (NJ Driver’s License, Non-driver ID, Passport, or Birth Certificate).
2. Required Documents and Items: Bring the following:
   • Original receipts for all parts used in construction.
   • A notarized statement detailing the boat’s construction.
   • Payment of fees: $60 for standard, $85 for financed boats.
   • “HIN Investigation Report” form OS/SS-10A (available only at MVC agencies), completed by the NJ State Police Marine Division.
   • Completed Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA).
   • Completed Boat Registration Application Form (BA-51).

Registering a Documented Vessel: For Larger Boats

Vessel documentation is a national form of registration, primarily for larger vessels (at least five net tons). Documented vessels are for international travel, interstate commerce, and specific trades. While documented federally, they may also need NJ registration under certain conditions:

• If a documented boat is in New Jersey waters for over 180 days, OR if the owner has a permanent base in NJ for storage or service, it must be registered in New Jersey. Documented vessels do not receive a NJ title.

To register a documented vessel in NJ:

1. Visit an MVC Agency: Go to an MVC agency with proper identification.
2. Required Documents: Bring:
   • Completed Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA)**
   • Completed Boat Registration Application Form (BA-51)
   • Proof of identity (NJ Driver’s License, Non-driver ID, Passport, or Birth Certificate).
   • Certificate of Documentation (if keeping vessel documented) or deletion papers (if not documenting) from the USCG.
   • Official Coast Guard Bill of Sale.

**Documented boats do not receive a NJ title, but fees apply for ownership transfer, lien recording, or changing the vessel’s state of record.

Understanding the Fees: Titling and Registration Costs

Budgeting for your boating adventures includes understanding the fees associated with titling and registration:

• Title Fee: $60.00**
• Financed Boat Title Fee: $85.00**
• Registration Fee: Refer to the registration fee schedule for the specific cost based on your boat type and size.

Payment methods accepted at the MVC include American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, checks, money orders, and cash.

Sales and Use Tax for Boats and Vessels: Tax Obligations

Don’t forget about sales and use tax when purchasing a boat or vessel. The NJ Division of Taxation website provides detailed guidance on these taxes for boat purchases.

Sales and Use Tax for the purchase of boats and vessels

Conclusion: Set Sail Safely and Legally in New Jersey

Understanding and complying with New Jersey’s boating regulations ensures that your time on the water is enjoyable and legal. From obtaining your boating safety certificate and license to correctly titling and registering your boat, each step contributes to responsible boating. Always prioritize safety, be aware of the regulations, and enjoy the beautiful non-tidal waters New Jersey has to offer.

Related Resources

• NJSP Marine Service Bureau
• Boating Safety Education & Age Requirements [pdf]
• Boating Facts [pdf]
• Boating Safety Manual [rev 3/2011, pdf]
• Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA)