How to Sell a Boat Privately in New Jersey (2026)
| Titling agency | New Jersey DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.625% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | OS/SS-51 or Title (lien section) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in New Jersey — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. New Jersey requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with New Jersey DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. New Jersey uses OS/SS-51 or Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — current New Jersey registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent New Jersey dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the New Jersey registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify New Jersey DMV — buyer must register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with New Jersey DMV to remove liability for future fines.
New Jersey lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form OS/SS-51 or the lien release section on the existing NJ title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a NJ MVC agency.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean New Jersey title.
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Start My New Jersey Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — New Jersey
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in New Jersey?▾
Yes. New Jersey requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with New Jersey DMV.
What is the New Jersey boat title transfer deadline?▾
New Jersey requires the buyer to transfer registration within 10 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in New Jersey?▾
New Jersey charges 6.625% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with New Jersey DMV.
Do I need a notary for a New Jersey boat bill of sale?▾
New Jersey does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in New Jersey?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to New Jersey DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6.625% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 10 days of the sale date.
Source: New Jersey DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07