NJ Form BA-51 Boat Registration Application Guide – If you own or plan to operate a boat on New Jersey waterways, Form BA-51 (Boat Registration Application) is the official document you need to register or renew your vessel with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). This guide explains what the form is used for, who needs it, required documents, fees, and how to complete the process correctly using current information from official state sources.
What Is New Jersey Form BA-51?
Form BA-51 is the official Application for Boat Registration issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. It is used for both initial boat registrations and renewals. The form collects key details about the vessel (including hull material, fuel type, vessel type, use, and propulsion) and the owner.
According to the New Jersey MVC, the form must be filled out, printed, and signed by hand before you visit a motor vehicle agency. You can download the current version of Form BA-51 (revised 7/2020) directly from the official state website.
Download Form BA-51 (PDF): https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/vehicles/BA-51.pdf
Who Needs to Register a Boat in New Jersey?
Most boats used on New Jersey waterways must be titled and/or registered. Key rules include:
- All titled boats must be registered.
- Any mechanically propelled vessel (including jet skis and boats with electric motors), regardless of length, must be registered.
- Boats greater than 12 feet in length generally must be titled and registered.
Exemptions exist for certain vessels, such as:
- Vessels not based in New Jersey and operating for less than 180 consecutive days under another state’s federally approved numbering system.
- Foreign vessels and U.S. public vessels.
- Ship’s lifeboats.
- Non-motorized vessels used exclusively on small lakes and ponds on private property.
- Racing vessels with a New Jersey State Marine Police permit.
- Non-motorized inflatable devices, surfboards, racing shells, dinghies, canoes, and kayaks.
- Non-motorized vessels less than 12 feet in length.
- Tenders/dinghies used solely for direct transportation between a vessel and shore.
If your boat is 12 feet or less or is documented by the U.S. Coast Guard, you will not receive a New Jersey title, but registration requirements may still apply.
Source: New Jersey MVC Boating Page
How to Title and Register a Boat Using Form BA-51?
Boats must generally be titled within 10 working days of purchase or face a $25 penalty. The process typically requires both Form BA-51 and the Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA).
Standard Initial Title and Registration
- Complete the Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA) and Form BA-51.
- Provide properly assigned Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), existing title, or (if from a non-titling state) proof of ownership from the seller plus a notarized bill of sale.
- If the boat is financed, provide the lienholder’s name and address (New Jersey lienholders must have an Entity Identification Number).
- Bring proper identification (New Jersey driver’s license, non-driver ID, passport, or birth certificate).
- Pay the applicable title and registration fees at a motor vehicle agency.
Homemade Boats
Additional requirements apply, including original receipts for parts, a notarized statement of construction details, and a completed HIN Investigation Report (Form OS/SS-10A) from the New Jersey State Police Marine Division.
U.S. Coast Guard Documented Vessels
Documented vessels do not receive a New Jersey title. If the vessel is operated in New Jersey waters for more than 180 days or the owner maintains storage/mooring space in the state on a non-transient basis, it must still be registered in New Jersey using Form BA-51 and related documents, including the Certificate of Documentation or deletion papers.
Full details are available on the official NJ MVC boating information page.
New Jersey Boat Registration Fees
Registration fees for non-commercial (pleasure) boats are based on length:
| Boat Length (Pleasure) | Fee |
|---|---|
| Less than 16 feet | $12.00 |
| 16 feet but less than 26 feet | $28.00 |
| 26 feet but less than 40 feet | $52.00 |
| 40 feet but less than 65 feet | $80.00 |
| 65 feet or more | $250.00 |
| Duplicate registration | $5.00 |
Commercial boat registration fees are slightly higher. Title fees are generally $60 (or $85 if financed). Sales and use tax may also apply — refer to the New Jersey Division of Taxation guidance on boats and vessels.
Source: NJ MVC Registration and Title Fees
How to Complete Form BA-51?
The form requires information in several categories (select the appropriate numbered option):
- Hull Material: Wood, Steel, Aluminum, Fiberglass, or Other
- Fuel: Gasoline, Diesel, or Other
- Type: Open, Cabin, Houseboat, Sail, Auxiliary, Canoe, or Other
- Use: Pleasure, Livery, Dealer, Manufacturer, Commercial, Canoe, or Other
- Propulsion: Outboard, Inboard, I/O, Electric, Other, or Nonpowered
Owner information is also required. If you are not a licensed New Jersey driver, you must provide your full name, date of birth, eye color, and sex so the MVC can generate an account number.
You must certify that the statements on the form are true. False statements can result in administrative, civil, and/or criminal penalties.
After completing the form, print it and sign it by hand before submitting it at an MVC agency. The official form is available at: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/vehicles/BA-51.pdf.
Where to Submit Form BA-51?
Form BA-51 is submitted in person at a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission agency. Bring all required supporting documents, identification, and payment. The MVC accepts American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, checks, money orders, and cash.
Locate an agency through the official MVC website. Appointments may be required or recommended depending on current procedures.
Additional Tips for Boat Owners in New Jersey
- Keep your registration and validation sticker current. Operating an unregistered vessel can result in a summons, mandatory court appearance, and termination of your voyage.
- Display registration numbers properly on both sides of the bow as required by state law.
- A boat operator license (endorsement) and/or New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate may be required depending on the waters and vessel type. Check the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau for safety course and licensing details.
- Always verify the latest requirements on the official New Jersey MVC website, as rules and fees can change.
Official Resources and Forms
- Form BA-51 – Boat Registration Application (PDF)
- Form OS/SS-UTA – Universal Title Application (PDF)
- NJ MVC – How to Title and Register a Boat
- NJ MVC – Registration and Title Fees
- NJ MVC Forms Page
This information is based on official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission publications and is intended for general guidance. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and procedures directly with the NJ MVC before applying, as rules may be updated.