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How to Fill Out a New Jersey Yacht Bill of Sale

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Reviewed against state DMV requirementsLast reviewed: April 20266 min readEditorial policy

Follow this checklist to complete the form correctly in New Jersey.

How to fill out a New Jersey yacht bill of sale

Total time: 5–10 minutes

You will need:

  • Signed vehicle title
  • Government-issued ID for both parties
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  1. Enter seller and buyer names

    Write the full legal names and current addresses of both the seller and buyer exactly as they appear on their government-issued IDs. Errors here can delay the New Jersey DMV title transfer.

  2. Add vehicle details

    Record the yacht's year, make, model, and color. Double-check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the dashboard or door jamb.

  3. Record the sale price and date

    Write the agreed sale price in both numerals and words to prevent disputes. Enter the exact date the ownership changes hands — this date triggers the New Jersey title transfer deadline.

  4. Both parties sign the bill of sale

    Seller and buyer both sign and date the completed form. Each party keeps a signed original. New Jersey may require the signed bill of sale at the DMV to complete the title transfer.

  5. Download and print a copy for each party

    Print at least two copies — one for the buyer to submit to the DMV and one for the seller to keep as proof the vehicle was sold. Store your copy for at least three years.

New Jersey Yacht transfer fees and requirements

In New Jersey, the title transfer fee is $60 and registration costs $35.50 - $84 based on vehicle weight and age. Yacht sales are subject to 6.625% sales tax; private sales may use a reduced rate schedule. New Jersey does not require notarization for private-party yacht transfers. Emission testing is required in New Jersey — verify the yacht passes before completing the sale.

  • MVC (Motor Vehicle Commission) handles titles and registration
  • Emissions inspection required at MVC stations
  • Insurance must be obtained before registration
  • Lemon law applies to used vehicles from dealers

Official New Jersey bill of sale form

The official New Jersey bill of sale form is OS/SS-32 (Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all New Jersey requirements and can be used in place of the official form.

New Jersey sales tax on yacht purchases

New Jersey has a 6.625% state sales tax rate. Flat 6.625% statewide; no additional local vehicle taxes. Private-party yacht sales in New Jersey are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $60.

Yacht market data and safety information

The most common yacht makes in private-party sales are Sea Ray, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Grady-White, Viking. Average private-party yacht prices range from $50,000–$500,000+. Yachts average 1 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Engine.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used yacht

Before completing a yacht bill of sale in New Jersey, verify these safety items:

  • Require a professional marine survey before purchase — standard practice for vessels over 26 ft
  • Inspect engine hours, service records, and oil analysis reports
  • Check hull condition with moisture meter and visual inspection below waterline
  • Verify USCG documentation or state registration status

Yacht insurance and depreciation in New Jersey

Yacht insurance is 1–2% of hull value annually. Agreed-value policies are standard. Navigation limits and crew requirements affect premiums. Yachts depreciate 10–15% per year for the first 5 years. Well-maintained vessels from premium builders hold value best. Peak season for private yacht sales is fall/winter boat shows drive buyer interest for spring delivery, with an average of 90 days on market.

Yacht registration and titling

Yachts are classified as "USCG-documented vessel (over 5 net tons) or state-registered vessel" for registration purposes. Yachts are classified by length overall (LOA), not weight. Vessels over 65 ft may require a licensed captain. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to yachts.

Odometer disclosure for yacht sales

Yachts are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. Engine hours are commonly documented but not legally required.

  • Applicable law: 46 CFR Part 67 — USCG Documentation of Vessels

Required disclosures for yacht sales in New Jersey

When selling a yacht in New Jersey, the following disclosures apply:

  • USCG documentation status and any outstanding maritime liens — the Abstract of Title from the Coast Guard should be reviewed before purchase.
  • Marine survey results (hull, engine, rigging) are standard practice for yacht transactions and should be referenced in the bill of sale.
  • Slip or mooring transfer — marina agreements do not automatically transfer with the vessel and should be addressed separately.

New Jersey bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 2,183 bill of sale documents for New Jersey transactions, with 59 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

Generate your document

If you prefer to generate a completed New Jersey yacht bill of sale automatically, you can create one here.

Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price

45% faster sale

Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.

Source: Experian / AutoCheck

$4,000 avg loss

NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.

Source: NHTSA

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

1 in 3 buyers

Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.

Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)

Informational purposes only. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed attorney for jurisdiction-specific guidance on vehicle transfers, title requirements, or related legal matters.