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How to Catch Fish How to Tie Fishing Knots Fishing Gear and Tackle How to Fish with Lures How to Fish with Live Bait Fishing Safety Fishing Tips When to Fish Types of Fishing Fishing Terms Fishing and Conservation Fishing Resources View All

When to Saltwater Fish Saltwater Bait and Lures Saltwater Fishing Tackle Types of Saltwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing Gear Saltwater Fish Species Saltwater Fishing FAQ View All

Best Freshwater Fishing When to Freshwater Fish Freshwater Bait and Lures Learn About Freshwater Fish Species Best Freshwater Fishing Gear Freshwater Fishing FAQ View All

Fly Fishing Basics Fly Fishing Flies Fly Fishing Gear Fly Casting View All

Ice Fishing Basics Ice Fishing Gear Ice Fishing Techniques View All

Boating Basics How to Boat Boating and Water Safety Choose Your Boat Use our Boat Explorer Tool Get on the Water View All

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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

⚠ Before you head to the water check the latest COVID-19 updates. We encourage you to follow CDC recommendations.

Register a Boat in New Jersey

One of the best things about boating is the opportunity it provides for memorable moments on the water with friends and family. Since there are boat sizes to suit every lifestyle, it is easier to get your NJ boat license and start boating than you might think. Use the links in this section to find boat registration requirements and learn about boating laws.

NEW JERSEY BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Before leaving the pier or dock for the first time with your new boat, you need to know the state boat laws and regulations. New Jersey requires boat owners to have a valid boat license and boat safety certificate in order to operate a power vessel.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

When you apply for your NJ boat license (or boat registration), you will need to submit a registration fee along with your license application. The funds collected from boat registration fees go towards efforts to protect and conserve state waterways. Find boat license and registration fee information here.

NEW JERSEY BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

All motorized vessels more than 12 feet in length must be registered in New Jersey to operate on waterways.
All vessels registered for the calendar year are issued two decals with the month of renewal punched out, for each side of the boat.
The documents required to register your vessel includes proof of ownership, a notarized bill of sale, a notarized statement of receipt from the seller, and a certificate of ownership among other documents.

NJ BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

New Jersey has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe.

NJ BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

RESPONSIBLE BOATING STARTS WITH YOU

Learn how to take care of your crew and your boat, while also taking care of our valuable water resources.

BOATING AND WATER SAFETY

BOATING SAFETY COURSES

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

NJ BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau.

OPERATOR LICENSE INFORMATION