How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in New Jersey?
Registering a boat in New Jersey costs $12–$250 per year, based on length. It's handled by the New Jersey MVC and renews annually. Non-motorized craft like kayaks and canoes are generally exempt (check local rules for sailboats). Boats with motors — including trolling motors on otherwise unpowered craft — almost always require registration.
Cost by boat size
| Boat | Per year | One-time (title etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| 14-ft motorboat | $12.00 | $60.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $28.00 | $60.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $52.00 | $60.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Non-powered vessels over 12 ft also register — but canoes and kayaks are fully exempt at any length. Vessels over 12 ft are titled ($60, $85 with lien).
New Jersey: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in New Jersey?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in New Jersey. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in New Jersey?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in New Jersey?
Yes — in New Jersey the boat and the trailer are two separate registrations. The boat's fee is above; the trailer registers as a utility trailer with the motor-vehicle agency, priced by the trailer's weight (often a low flat fee or a one-time permanent plate). See our New Jersey trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in New Jersey?
Yes — New Jersey issues a boat title for a one-time $60 fee, generally required for larger or newer motorized vessels (smaller craft are often exempt). The title is separate from the registration fee shown above.
Do I have to register a jet ski or PWC in New Jersey?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in New Jersey, usually in the smallest length class. The same New Jersey MVC handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in New Jersey?
Boat registration in New Jersey is handled by the New Jersey MVC. You can generally register in person, by mail, or online, and you'll need proof of ownership (a bill of sale or title) plus the fee shown above. Renew every year before your decal expires.
Estimate your exact New Jersey cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$28.00
- Title fee$60.00
Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/vehicles/regfees.htm — last reviewed 2026-07-21.