Motor Boat Registration & Title Requirements
Last Updated: May 11, 2026
NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)
Registration
Most boats must be registered to operate on New Jersey waterways.
- All titled boats must be registered.
- Any boat (including jet skis and non-titled watercraft), mechanically propelled (incl. electric motors), regardless of length, must be registered.
- Boats greater than 12 feet in length, regardless of propulsion means, must be titled and registered at an MVC office.
Boats and marine equipment that do not need to be registered:
- Those not based in New Jersey, or operating here less than 180 consecutive days, that are operating under a federally-approved numbering system from another state
- Ship’s lifeboats
- Non-motorized vessels used exclusively on small lakes and ponds on private property
- Racing vessels with New Jersey State Marine Police permit
- Non-motorized inflatable device, surfboard, racing shell, dinghy, canoe or kayak
- Non-motorized vessel less than 12 feet in length
Title
For use on New Jersey waterways, all boats more than 12 feet in length must be titled, with the exception of ship’s lifeboat, canoe, kayak, inflatable, surfboard, rowing scull, racing shell, tender/dinghy used for direct transportation between a vessel and shore for no other purposes.
Boat Operator License (MVC)
An operator license is required to operate power vessels on fresh, non-tidal waters such as lakes, creeks and rivers. (Minimum age 16 years; with certain exceptions.)
For More Information:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
(888) 486-3339 toll free in NJ or
(609) 292-6500 from out-of-state
Learn about registration requirements, titles, and boating information on the New Jersey MVC boating page.
Boat Safety Certificate (NJSP)
A boat safety certificate (from an approved boat safety course; see NJSP website, below) is required to operate a personal watercraft or power vessel, including electric motors, in NJ waters (tidal and non-tidal).
New Jersey State Police (NJSP)
Find boating safety information, regulations, and enforcement resources on the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau page.
New Jersey Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Updates
In New Jersey, over 100 species of AIS have been identified and categorized in various stages of threat, ranging from the watch list to well-established. Species such as the Blue Catfish and Northern Snakehead often outcompete native species for resources, alter habitats at the expense of native flora and fauna, and can detrimentally affect recreational activities such as fishing and boating.
In November 2024, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife took a significant step toward achieving the objectives of the NJ AIS Management Plan (NJAISMP) by appointing an AIS Coordinator to oversee and facilitate the implementation of the plan’s key objectives.
AIS Reporting Form
In collaboration with the Fish & Wildlife Office of Information Systems, the AIS Reporting Form was created for both public and professional use and launched in June of 2025. This form marks an exciting and important milestone in launching the New Jersey AIS Program and serves as a critical tool for early detection and guiding appropriate responses to reported sightings.
To report the catch or observation of AIS species such as Northern Snakehead, Blue Catfish, Mitten Crab, Clinging Jellyfish and more, please scan the QR Code. Reminder: possession and/or release of Potentially Dangerous Fish species is prohibited and if encountered while angling, they must be destroyed.
For more information on the NJAISMP and the agency’s Potentially Dangerous Fish regulations, please visit our website at:
Learn how to identify, prevent, and report invasive species on the New Jersey aquatic invasive species webpage or contact our AIS biologist.
Vibrio: How do I avoid that?
The onset of summer brings an increased risk of illness from Vibrio, a bacteria naturally abundant in warm coastal seawater from May to October, and individuals with compromised immune systems have a heightened vulnerability. Vibrio is not contagious and is contracted through two primary vectors: exposing recent open wounds (cuts, piercings, tattoos) to marine water or consuming raw or undercooked seafood. Analysis by the National Sea Grant shows that 94% of foodborne Vibrio cases occur in those with pre-existing conditions, including organ disease, cancer, diabetes, alcoholism, and autoimmune disorders as well as other conditions that result in immunosuppression.
To safely enjoy coastal activities such as crabbing, clamming, fishing, and the beach, immunocompromised individuals must manage their risk. Key preventive actions include covering wounds with waterproof bandages and wearing foot protection to prevent cuts. When handling raw seafood, wear protective gloves and beware of cross-contamination. Discard any shellfish with open shells before cooking or those that fail to open during cooking. Seek immediate medical attention if a wound becomes swollen, red, or hot after exposure to seawater or raw seafood juices.
Interactive Map Tools
NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Office of Fish and Wildlife Information Systems develops and maintains geographic information systems (GIS) data, produces web mapping applications and provides GIS/IT assistance to support fish and wildlife management throughout New Jersey. Below is a listing of the online interactive mapping tools that allow access to spatial information, and in some cases, the ability to submit data or observations directly to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife.
Saltwater Fishing Explorer Application
Explore interactive maps and learn more about artificial reef sites and other saltwater fishing opportunities on the New Jersey Saltwater Fishing webpage.
Artificial Reef Deployments Application
Allows users to identify artificial reefs and individual deployments present on reef sites providing excellent fishing and diving opportunities. This application includes nearly 4,000 publicly accessible artificial reef deployments ranging from ships, barges and military vehicles to concrete habitats and dredge rock. These deployments provide areas for the public to engage in reef fishing and diving. Information includes type of deployment, the material it was made from, who sponsored the deployment, the date it was deployed, along with the location and volume of the deployment.
View deployment updates and reef location information on the New Jersey Reef Deployment webpage.Reef Deployment Feedback Form
Allows users to submit single or multiple corrections to deployments. Each advised correction will be reviewed by staff and included in the next revision.
Share your experiences and feedback through the New Jersey Reef Feedback webpage.
Saltwater Fishing Opportunities Application
Provides the public with key information of areas to fish throughout New Jersey for saltwater species like striped bass, bluefish, and summer flounder. Includes both ocean prime fishing grounds and shore-based fishing access sites.
Discover top fishing locations and seasonal opportunities on the New Jersey Prime Saltwater Fishing webpage.
HUNTERS and ANGLERS: Know Before You Go!
Two separate fish and wildlife convictions for violating any New Jersey saltwater, freshwater, trapping or hunting law within a five-year period will cause you to lose your hunting and fishing privileges for two to five-years! This means convictions for taking under-sized striped bass or over limit striped bass in marine waters can prevent you from hunting!
Wildlife management area violations such as possession of alcohol, swimming, ATV use and illegal dumping also fall under fish and wildlife offenses and can result in license revocation.
Don’t take a chance on losing your license because you heard the wrong information! If you have any questions regarding hunting or fishing regulations, please call your regional Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement office before going in the field.
The overwhelming majority of New Jersey hunters, trappers and anglers are ethical, law-abiding citizens with a low tolerance for those not willing to follow the laws. If you see a violation occurring, report it immediately by calling 1-(877) WARN-DEP.
