How to Get a Boating License in New Jersey
Boating in New Jersey is the perfect summer getaway! From Lake Hopatcong to the Jersey Shore, the Garden State offers endless opportunities to find your boating bliss. But before you take the helm, you need your New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate. In this blog post, we share how to get a boating license in New Jersey.
Do You Need a License to Drive a Boat in New Jersey?
Yes, anyone operating a boat in New Jersey must have a New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate, required for both non-tidal and tidal waters across the state. Anyone 13 years of age and older can take the course and obtain a safety certificate. If you plan to boat on inland waters (like Lake Hopatcong), you’ll also need a boating endorsement on your driver’s license.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Boating License?
The cost of obtaining your boat license varies. At Bridge Marina, our NJ Boating Safety Certificate Courses offer an affordable way to earn your boating license with expert guidance. We provide a convenient and educational experience, ensuring you get the best value for your time and money.
We offer different course options to fit your needs at both our Lake Hopatcong and Highlands locations. Our full course and exam option is $94.95, which includes everything you need to complete your certification in one full-day session or two-day evening sessions. If you have already taken an approved online course, you can opt for our exam-only session for $44.95. If you choose the exam-only option, you still need to pay for the online course before taking the test. Additionally, if you need to add the boating endorsement to your driver’s license, there is a state fee of approximately $18. Check out our schedule for all of our classes an exam options here.
Contact us for current pricing and upcoming course dates!
How Long Is a New Jersey Boating License Good For? Does it Expire?
Good news! Once you earn your New Jersey Boating license, it never expires. You won’t need to renew it, making it a lifetime credential for boating in New Jersey. However, it’s always a great idea to refresh your knowledge by staying updated with the latest safety regulations and best practices on the water. Another great way to stay sharp at the helm is with hands-on, on-water boating lessons with a professional instructor! At Bridge Marina, we offer multiple boating lesson modules at both of our locations on Lake Hopatcong and in Highlands, NJ and find them to be a perfect complement to the classroom instruction provided in the course.
I Lost My NJ Boating Safety Certificate. How Can I Replace it?
If you have lost your NJ Boating Safety Certificate, the Marine Services Bureau of the New Jersey State Police can provide a replacement. To request a replacement, email the Marine Services Bureau at [email protected] and provide the following information:
•Full Legal Name
•Date of Birth
•Complete Current Address (and any prior addresses the certificate may be under)
•Copy of Driver’s License or State I.D. (any scanned copies or photos must be in .jpg format)
•Phone Number
•Email Address
•Reason for the Request
Get Your NJ Boating Safety Certificate from the Leaders in Boating Hospitality
We make getting your NJ Boating Safety Certificate easy, engaging, and accessible year-round. Not to mention, we offer a variety of classes designed to fit your schedule. Our instructors are passionate about boating safety and ensure that you walk away feeling confident and ready to hit the water.
Learn more about our different boating license course options and availability on Lake Hopatcong and in Highlands here!
Need Help or Have Questions?
We’re here to guide you through every step of your boating lifestyle, whether you’re getting your NJ Boating Safety Certificate, taking a hands-on boating lesson on the water, purchasing your dream boat, and more. Fill out this quick contact form, and we’ll get back to you!
We look forward to helping you begin your boating journey!