New Jersey Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

Private-party title transfer, registration, lien search, sales tax, and USCG documentation rules for New Jersey.

Title Required

✅ Yes

State issues boat title

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

6.63%

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in New Jersey

New Jersey requires a certificate of title for boats and personal watercraft. When you purchase a vessel, the seller must sign the title over to you. You then have a limited window to apply for a new title in your name.

Apply at an MVC agency within 60 days. Bring the foreign title, completed BA-62 form, and proof of sales tax payment.

Lien Search in New Jersey

Before completing any private-party purchase, run a lien search to confirm the vessel has no outstanding loans or encumbrances.

New Jersey Official Lien Search ↗

For USCG-documented vessels, also search the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

Bill of Sale Requirements

New Jersey requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Your bill of sale should include:

Hull Identification Number (HIN) or VIN
Make, model, and year of the vessel
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Purchase price and date of sale
Odometer reading (motorhomes/RVs)
Signatures of both parties
Notarization if required by New Jersey

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in New Jersey

New Jersey charges 6.63% sales tax on boat and powersports purchases. Sales tax is typically collected when you register the vessel with the state. Some counties add additional local taxes. Check with your local New Jersey agency for the full rate.

USCG Documentation in New Jersey

New Jersey's extensive Atlantic and Delaware Bay coastline makes USCG documentation common for ocean-going vessels over 26 ft.

USCG-documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation (COD) issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center. This is recognized internationally and is preferred by lenders for boats over 26 ft. Even with USCG documentation, New Jersey may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →