How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, boat registration is handled by the New Jersey MVC and renews annually. The fee is based on boat length — from $12 for the smallest class up to $250 for the largest per year. 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).
Estimate your exact New Jersey cost
Your boat
Estimated annual cost
$28.00/ year
- Registration fee (by length)$28.00
One-time fees (first registration)
- Title fee$60.00
One-time total: $60.00
Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-16. This state's full local formula is not yet implemented; see the notes below the calculator.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/vehicles/regfees.htm — last reviewed 2026-07-16.