Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About the New Jersey Boat License
- What is the New Jersey Boater Safety Certification Card?
- Do I have to get the New Jersey Boater Safety Certification Card (New Jersey Boater's License)?
- What is the minimum age to obtain the New Jersey Boater Safety Certification Card?
- How do I get my New Jersey Boater Safety Certification Card (New Jersey Boater's License)?
- How much does the online boater exam cost? How much does the New Jersey Boater safety Certification Card cost?
- When will I receive my New Jersey Boater Safety Certification Card in the mail?
- Do I get a temporary card or certificate until my permanent boater's license arrives?
- How do I replace my boater education card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
- How old do I have to be?
- Do I have to renew my certificate?
- Do I have to do anything when I turn 16 if I was licensed at 14?
What is the New Jersey Boater safety Certification Card?
The New Jersey boater safety certification card (also referred to as the New Jersey Boaters License) is proof that a boater has demonstrated basic boating knowledge by passing an approved boating safety course.
Do I have to get the New Jersey Boater Safety Certification card (New Jersey Boater's License)?
Anyone operating a motorized vessel is required to have a New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate by June 1, 2009, regardless of age.
What is the minimum age to obtain the New Jersey boater safety certification Card?
The minimum age to take the online boat safety exam and and then the In-Person Exam is 13 years old.
How do I get my New Jersey boater safety certification card (New Jersey Boater's License)?
Register for one of our classes
Attend class and pass the In-Person Exam, and you will be mailed your Boating Safety Education Certificate issued by the New Jersey State Police.
You will receive a temporary certificate so you will be legal as soon as you walk out the door.
How much does the boat course cost? How much does the New Jersey Boater Safety Certification Card Cost?
The certified boat course costs $50.00—after you pass. There are no other charges.
When will I receive my New Jersey Boater Safety Certification Card in the mail?
Your New Jersey boater safety certification card will be mailed to your home within 2 to 3 weeks after you pass the exam.
Do I get a temporary card or certificate until my permanent boater's license arrives?
Yes. When you pass the In-Person exam, you will be issued a temporary certificate which will serve as your operating permit until your permanent card arrives.
How do I replace my boater education card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
A duplicate card is available at no charge and may be requested from the New Jersey State Police. To request the card, please visit http://www.njsp.org/maritime and go to the FAQ.
How old do I have to be?
The minimum age to operate a personal watercraft and larger power vessels is 16. A 13-15 year old may operate the following after earning their boating safety certificate:
1. A vessel 12 ft. or greater in length powered by a 12 volt electric motor
2. A vessel powered by a motor or combination of motors less than 10 total horsepower.
Do I have to renew my certificate?
Your boating safety certificate does not have an expiration.
Do I have to do anything when I turn 16 if I was licensed at 14?
You do not have to do anything except carry your certificate with you when boating.