The New Jersey boat bill of sale form creates a written record of the transaction occurring between a seller and buyer exchanging a watercraft for a predetermined monetary worth. The official form lists essential information to make an accurate record of the exchange, such as names and addresses of the seller and buyer, vessel specifics, selling price, and confirming signatures upon agreement. The legal testimonial provides a secure transaction should there arise a dispute or liability issue after the conclusion of the sale.

How to Register a Boat

To lawfully administer the use of most watercraft upon New Jersey waterways, one must obtain registration with the state. Vessels exempt from the requirement is as follows:

• Vessels not mechanically propelled by a motor:
  • Vessels under a total length of 12 feet, canoes, kayaks, surfboards, rowboats, or inflatable floating objects.
• Vessels mechanically propelled by a motor:
  • Vessels currently registered in another state with visible decals in place to be utilized for a time of lesser than 180 days.
  • Vessels properly registered in another country with viewable markings to display identification to be utilized for a period of lesser than 180 days.
  • Designated lifeboats.
  • Vessels that are the property of the federal or state governments.

In addition to boat registration obligation, any watercraft with a length of 12 feet and over must be titled with the state of New Jersey with the exception of:

• Canoes, kayaks, surfboards, rowboats, lifeboats, or inflatable floating objects.

To establish official registration for a vessel, the boat must have an assigned hull identification number. If the watercraft does not present one, a number must be granted via inspection by visiting a local New Jersey Marine Services Bureau facility before registration application. Upon reception of a valid hull identification number,  you can then attend the nearest New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission location with the following procured filings to register:

• A filled New Jersey Application for Certificate of Title for Vessel (Form BA-51).
• When registering newly purchased boats:
  • Manufacturer’s certificate of origin.
  • Receipt of sale.
• When registering used boats purchased from a private party:
  • Correctly reassigned title or prior registration if coming from a non-titling state.
  • An officially notarized bill of sale.
• Identification of the name, address, and EIN for the lienholder, should the boat be financed.
• A confirmed form of payment for all associated taxes and fees.

 How to Complete the Form

Step 1 – Aquire the bill of sale Adobe PDF by clicking the link to download.

Step 2 –  Specify the agreed-upon purchase price on the first blank line.

Step 3 – Buyer/Seller Information – Type in the necessary information related to the buyer and the seller involved in the exchange as follows:

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
• Zip Code

Step 4 – Description of Vessel – Complete the requested information regarding the identification of the watercraft:

• Make
• Year
• Hull ID Number
• Registration Number
• Title Number
• Motor Model
• Year (of Motor)
• Odometer Reading (in hours)

Step 5 – Description of Trailer – In the instance, that boat comes along with a boat trailer, submit the information for the said trailer as follows:

• Make
• Model
• Year
• Serial Number

Step 6 – Should there be an active claim on the vessel, utilize the provided space to describe the loan or lien in detail.

Step 7 – Once you have completed the form, you can then endorse and date the document with help from a supervising notary official. They can then finalize the paperwork as needed.