New Jersey Boating License

You can take the NJ boating safety exam at approved locations across New Jersey, including testing centers in Ocean County, Monmouth County, Cape May County, and more. Use our interactive map to find a class near you and reserve your spot online. In-person options are available every week, many even on weekends.

To get a New Jersey boating license, you need to:
1. Complete a state-approved boating safety course.
2. Pass the written boating safety exam.
3. Receive your Boating Safety Certificate (BSC), which allows you to operate motorized vessels and personal watercraft (like Jet Skis) in NJ waters.

In general, the online portion of the NJ boat course ranges from $40 to $50
Upon successful completion of the online course, the required NJ boating safety exam costs $55.
Should you choose to take the full In-Person course with the exam included, the total cost is $110. Both options are approved by the state of New Jersey and include everything you need to get.

No, New Jersey law requires that the boating safety exam be taken in person with a certified instructor. While you may complete the course online, the final proctored multiple choice exam must be completed at an approved testing site.

No. The NJ Boat Safety Certificate never expires and does not need to be renewed. Once you earn it through a state-approved course and pass the exam, it’s yours for life.

We serve North Jersey, Central Jersey, South Jersey, and the Jersey Shore, so you can find a location closest to you. Book online to reserve your exam time before you take the online course.

Our students consistently rate our instructors and locations 5 stars. They appreciate how easy we make it to book a session, get certified fast, and learn practical boating safety tips. Don’t just take our word for it, check out the reviews from real boaters who passed their test with us.

You may, a NJ boat license is different from the Boat Safety Certificate.
Here’ s the breakdown:

• You must have a NJ Boat Safety Certificate first.
• A boat license endorsement is only needed if you are operating a power vessel on non-tidal waters (like lakes and rivers) in New Jersey
• The BOAT endorsement is added to your NJ driver’s license at an

NJ MVC location for an additional fee
You don’t need a boat license if:

• Your boat has <1HP or <10HP under certain size limits
• You’re only on tidal waters
• You’re visiting NJ for less than 90 days with an out-of-state boating certificate

You must be at least 13 years old to obtain a NJ Boat Safety Certificate. However:

• Ages 13–15 may only operate vessels with motors 10 HP or less or electric-powered boats.
• Personal watercraft (PWC) like Jet Skis are only legal to operate at age 16+.
• After age 16, there are no additional restrictions.

Yes, unless you’re in NJ for less than 90 days, and you have:

• A boating certificate from your home state, or
• Proof of completing a NASBLA- or USCG-approved boating safety course.

If you’re staying longer, you’ll need to take an NJ-approved course to get a NJ Boat Safety Certificate

Yes, almost all motorized vessels used on NJ waterways must be registered with the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
Exemptions include:

• Non-motorized boats under 12 feet
• Dinghies used only for transport between shore and boat
• Lifeboats, canoes, kayaks, racing shells, and inflatable devices
• Boats used in NJ fewer than 180 days/year

No. New Jersey does not issue certificates based on out-of-state courses. You must take a NJ Approved Boating Safety Course to receive your NJ boating Safety Certificate.