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How to get a Motorboat or Jet Ski License

The Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) issues motorboat and personal watercraft licenses for use on fresh, non-tidal waters or lakes, creeks or rivers not affected by tidal conditions. A boat license and New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate are required to operate a power vessel or personal watercraft - jet ski or wave runner - on non-tidal waters of New Jersey. A boat license is not required for non-powered vessels.

Step One: Complete a boating safety course For any power motorboat operation on tidal waters, you must successfully complete a boating safety course approved by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) to receive a New Jersey Boating Safety Course Certificate. Visit the NJSP Marine Service Bureau website for full details.

Additional information is available:

Download a copy of the Boating Safety Manual

Boating is Alive & Well in New Jersey On The Water - Go Boating NJ Video

Step Two: Get an initial motorboat or jet ski license You must be at least 16 years old. If you are under the age of 17, you need to present a letter with parental or guardian consent.

Applicants must visit a motor vehicle agency with:

New Jersey Boating Safety Course Certificate 6 Points of ID Pay the $18 license fee

The MVC accepts American Express® card, MasterCard®, Visa® card, Discover card®, checks, money orders and cash.

A license may be renewed by following the above steps for getting the initial license.

In order to use New Jersey waterways, all boats must be titled and registered except:

*If your boat is 12 feet or less or if it is documented by the US Coast Guard, you will not receive a title.

Boats must be titled within 10 working days of purchase or are subject to a $25 penalty.

To title and/or register a homemade boat, visit a motor vehicle agency with proper identification (NJ Driver’s License, Non-driver ID, Passport or Birth Certificate)and the following:

Vessel documentation is a national form of registration. Documentation provides evidence of nationality for international purposes, provides unhindered commerce between the states and admits vessels to certain restricted trades, such as coastwise trade and the fisheries. A vessel must weigh at least five net tons, with the exception of certain oil spill response vessels and must be wholly owned by a citizen of the U.S. in order to be documented.

Applicant must visit a motor vehicle agency with:

**Boats that are documented do not receive a NJ title. Fees are still charged to transfer ownership, record lien and/or change state of record for vessel.

The MVC accepts American Express® card, MasterCard®, Visa® card, Discover card®, checks, money orders and cash.

Refer to the NJ Division of Taxation website for guidance on Sales and Use Tax for the purchase of boats and vessels.