What is a New Jersey Vessel Bill of Sale?

A New Jersey vessel bill of sale explains how a buyer and seller handled a boat transaction. Each person reveals their contact information, date of purchase, and payment details, such as the sale price and the method. By utilizing the form, both parties have a permanent record. Essentially, it is a glorified receipt, enabling the previous and current owners to prove the transfer happened. The buyer can show their newly obtained ownership, whereas the seller can verify their release of liability.

How to Register a Boat in New Jersey (4 Steps)

Motorized boats in New Jersey require registration. The vessel only needs a title if it is longer than twelve (12) feet. Documentation must occur within ten (10) days of the purchase, or the owner must pay a $25 fine.

Step 1 – Exemptions

All vessels in New Jersey need registration except:

• Out-of-state boats used in public waterways for less than 180 consecutive days;
• Vessels from another country;
• United States public vessels;
• Watercraft classified as a ship’s lifeboat;
• Boats without a motor used on private property (i.e., small lakes, ponds, etc.);
• Motorless vessels with inflatable devices (i.e., canoes, racing shells, kayaks, surfboards, dinghies, etc.);
• Watercraft without a motor less than twelve (12) feet long;
• Racing boats (requires a permit from New Jersey State Marine Police); and
• Tender or dinghy used only for transportation purposes between vessel and shore.

Step 2 – Title + Registration

Titling must happen within ten (10) days of buying a boat in New Jersey. Owners who fail to meet this requirement must pay a $25 penalty. Vessels twelve (12) feet in length or less do not need a title, nor do watercraft with documentation from the United States Coast Guard.

Residents must meet with their motor vehicle agency to complete the title and registration process. They must bring a Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA), Boat Registration Application Form (BA-51), and a properly assigned title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Ownership (MCO). Individuals bringing a boat from another state that does not issue titles must submit proof of the seller’s ownership (i.e., registration) and a notarized bill of sale.

The registrar owes the requested amount by card, check, money order, or cash. They must pay for the title, which costs $60 for a standard document and $85 for financed vessels. Owners also must cover the registration fees and sales and use taxes.

Homemade boats require the owner to hand in the following:

• Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA);
• Boat Registration Application Form (BA-51);
• Identification;
• Receipts (originals) for purchased parts;
• Notarized statement with the details of the vessel’s construction; and
• HIN Investigation Report (Form OS/SS-10A)*

*Individuals can only obtain this document through a motor vehicle agency. The state only accepts it if a New Jersey State Marine Police officer completes it.

Step 3 – Numbers + Decal

Vessel owners must appropriately display their registration number and decal once they receive the information. They must paint or attach the number to each side of the bow. It must read from left to right in block letting that stands at least three (3) inches tall. The person applying the number must use a color that stands out from the vessel’s paint.

The registration sequence begins with “NJ” with four (4) numbers and two (2) letters following it. Each part of the number must have a hyphen or space between it. The owner cannot place any other information near the number except for the decal. Stickers belong on each side of the boat within three (3) inches of the registration number.

Step 4 – Renew