Under Title 39 of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated (NJSA), specifically NJSA 39:3-4, vehicle registration is required for all motor vehicles in the state. Registration entails obtaining a certificate of registration and license plates from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC).
This process assigns each vehicle a unique identification number, links it to its owner, and provides essential details about its make and specifications.
The NJ MVC administers these registrations to uphold state regulations, which are intended to promote public safety, accountability, and efficient traffic management.
Adhering to state-specific requirements about vehicle registration is critical not only for legal operation on public roads but also for maintaining accurate records of vehicle ownership and supporting various safety and environmental standards.
How To Register a Car in New Jersey?
The regulations and procedures for registering a vehicle in New Jersey encompass various scenarios, including purchases from individual sellers, dealerships, and auctions. They also include guidelines for new residents moving to the state and specific considerations for military personnel and veterans.
Current Residents Who Bought a Vehicle
Current residents of New Jersey who have purchased a vehicle must register it with the NJ MVC. The registration process varies depending on the purchase source—whether from a dealership, an individual owner, or an auction.
Vehicle Bought from a Dealership
When buying a new or used vehicle from a dealership in New Jersey, the dealership takes care of the registration and title process. Sales tax is included in the vehicle's purchase price.
Vehicle Bought from an Individual Owner or Auction
Buyers who buy a used car from an individual owner or at an auction must complete the registration process themselves.
To start registration, residents must schedule an appointment with the local NJ MVC office using the NJ MVC Appointment Scheduling system. At the appointment, residents must present the following documents:
- Driver's License or ID: New Jersey utilizes a 6-point ID system.
- Vehicle Title: The title includes the seller and buyer's name, address, signatures, date of sale, and purchase price.
- Proof of Insurance: An insurance card or a document with the insurance company's name and policy number.
- Mileage odometer reading: It should be provided within ten days of purchasing the vehicle.
Finally, residents must complete the Application for Vehicle Registration (Form BA-49) and pay the registration, title, and sales tax fees.
Additional Documentation Requirements
Vehicle owners must be aware of various documents that may be required beyond the basic paperwork.
Power of Attorney
If someone other than the purchaser signs the documents, they must provide power of attorney documents.
Dealer Reassignment Documents
Dealership reassignment documents are necessary when a licensed dealer needs to transfer vehicle ownership to a customer but cannot provide the title immediately during the sale.
Financing Information
Buyers must submit lien-holder information and any financing statements for leased or financed vehicles.
Business Purchases
If a company or business purchases the vehicle, the purchaser must provide the NJ MVC with an Entity Identification Number (EIN).
Auction Purchases
For non-titled vehicles purchased at an auction, buyers must provide the last-issued registration document, a notarized bill of sale, and a pencil tracing or photograph of the VIN (vehicle identification number) plate.
New Residents Transferring to New Jersey
New Jersey mandates that new residents transfer their out-of-state vehicle title and registration within 60 days (or 120 days during a Public Health Emergency) or before their current registration expires, following the same regulations as current residents.
Additional requirements include completing the Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA) and obtaining a necessary transfer permit.
For those relocating with financed or leased vehicles, submitting the Application for the Release of a Title from Lienholder (Form OS/SS-54) is also mandatory.
Insurance Requirements
All registered vehicles in New Jersey must carry three types of mandatory insurance. First, liability insurance covers damages caused by an accident, excluding medical expenses.
Additionally, personal injury protection (PIP), also known as No-Fault coverage, pays for medical expenses for the policyholder and others covered under the policy, regardless of fault.
Lastly, uninsured motorist coverage provides protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.
Drivers must meet the following minimum coverage limits:
- Coverage for bodily injury liability: $25,000 per individual
- Coverage for bodily injury liability: $50,000 per incident
- Coverage for property damage liability: $25,000 per occurrence
- Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage: $15,000
- Coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person
- Coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per accident
Vehicle Inspections
In New Jersey, vehicles must pass emissions inspections before registration and every two years thereafter. This requirement applies to diesel, bi-fuel, and gasoline vehicles that are five model years or older and registered as commuter vans, passenger vehicles, governmental vehicles, or vehicles belonging to not-for-profit organizations.
Diesel vehicles from model year 1996 or newer, weighing 8,500 lbs. or less, also require emissions inspections. Additionally, commercial motor vehicles, buses, and taxis must undergo annual safety and emissions inspections.
New residents must have their vehicles inspected within 14 days after registration. Upon registration, they will receive a Green Card (Form SS-19). This card, along with their driver's license, registration, and insurance card, must be presented at an inspection station.
Brand-new vehicles that have never been titled or registered receive a five-year inspection sticker from the dealer. Inspection is only required once this sticker expires. For used vehicles, inspection is mandated once they reach five model years.
Vehicles purchased from dealerships come with a sticker that is valid until the vehicle is five years old. For private purchases, new owners receive a Form SS-19 at registration, which must be presented at an inspection station within 14 days to obtain a sticker valid until the vehicle reaches five years old.
Registration for Military Personnel and Veterans
New Jersey provides specialized vehicle registration options tailored for military personnel, including residents, non-residents stationed in the state, and veterans.
Non-Residents Stationed in New Jersey
Active duty military personnel who are stationed in New Jersey but maintain residency in another state are not required to register their vehicles in New Jersey.
It is crucial for these individuals to keep their vehicle registration up-to-date in their home state. Additionally, they must always carry proof of registration and insurance while stationed in New Jersey.
Active Duty New Jersey Residents
New Jersey residents deployed on active military duty must adhere to civilian vehicle registration procedures. However, they receive special considerations, such as extensions for driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and inspection requirements.
They must carry a military extension letter and documentation proving active military status at all times. Upon returning to civilian life, renewing expired registrations must occur within 90 days of demobilization.
Additionally, active-duty military personnel deployed out of state or country who must register their vehicles in the new location can request a refund for the remaining New Jersey registration period. To obtain a refund, they must follow these steps:
- Send a letter to the MVC detailing the request and provide proof of service.
- Complete and submit a refund form.
- Return the original New Jersey registration and license plates.
- Provide a copy of the military orders indicating deployment out of state or country.
- Submit a copy of the new registration for the same vehicle from the new location.
Special Provisions for Service-Disabled or Blind Veterans
New Jersey offers free vehicle registration for eligible service-disabled or blind veterans. This benefit applies to veterans who are blind due to war service and eligible for compensation under NJSA 38:18-1, as well as those with a service-connected disability qualifying for a free vehicle from the United States Veterans Administration.
If veterans belong to the second category, they must meet the following specific conditions:
- Possessed a valid New Jersey driver's license or a generated driver's license number
- Confirmed the vehicle has the necessary special attachments or devices for safe operation
- Obtained vehicle insurance from a company licensed in New Jersey
New Jersey License Plates
In New Jersey, vehicles receive standard license plates upon registration. Most vehicles get two plates—one for the front and one for the rear. Exceptions include trailers, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, and autocycles, which only get one plate.
These plates must stay clean and visible. The rear plate must be illuminated at night to be seen up to 50 feet away, as required by NJSA 39:3-48b. Using a cover that hides any part of the plate's lettering can lead to a fine of up to $100.
New Jersey also offers other types of license plates. Drivers can support causes they care about with dedicated or special interest plates. Historic vehicle plates are available for vehicles over 25 years old and used solely for exhibitions and education.
Owners of antique cars made before 1949 can get Street Rod plates for $15 if registered with a New Jersey Street Rod Club or National Street Rod Association affiliate.
The state also provides tailored plates for non-profit groups, sports enthusiasts, and individuals with disabilities. Personalized plates with letter and number combinations are an option, but offensive combinations are prohibited.
How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in New Jersey?
Vehicle owners can obtain personalized or vanity license plates for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and certain commercial vehicles. To order these plates, they can fill out the Personalized License Plate Application (Form SP-1) and mail it to the NJ MVC with a $50 fee.
Alternatively, they can request personalized plates through the NJ MVC's Order a Personalized Plate service. This option requires a valid MyMVC user ID, email address, driver's license number, Social Security number, and credit card.
Personalized plate combinations must consist of three letters to seven characters (numbers and letters, or letters). Punctuation marks or symbols, such as the silhouette of New Jersey, are not allowed.
Personalized plates are not available to individuals convicted within the last ten years of offenses under Revised Statute (RS) 39:4-50 (driving under the influence or refusing a breathalyzer test), RS 39:4-96 (reckless driving), or RS 2C:11-5(vehicular homicide). Additionally, those with a suspended or revoked driving privilege in New Jersey within the last two years are ineligible.
How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, registration fees for various vehicle types are determined by several factors, including vehicle type, weight, model year, and residency status.
Passenger automobiles, for example, have fees based on weight and age. Vehicles weighing under 2,700 pounds and manufactured in 1970 or earlier incur a fee of $35.50. Commuter vans are charged $71.50 if older than two years and $84 if within two years.
Non-commercial motor vehicles, such as private utility semi-trailers (registration Code 22), moped motorized bikes (Code 61), and historic vehicles (Code 64) have fees ranging from $18 to $94.
Snowmobiles registered as Code 87 cost $24 for residents and $28 for non-residents, while ATV registrations under Code 89 are $34 for residents and $38 for non-residents under Code 90.
Non-commercial trucks, identified by registration Code 15, include pick-up trucks, vans, SUVs, and models like the Chevrolet El-Camino, Ford Ranchero, and Subaru Brat. These vehicles, primarily used for personal and property transport, have registration fees determined by their gross weight.
Registration fees for motorhomes and station wagons in New Jersey are based on two main factors: passenger weight class and model year. Moreover, vehicles registered to recipients of programs like Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled(PAAD), Supplemental Security Income(SSI), and Lifeline qualify for discounted registration fees.
Additional Fees for Vehicle Registration in New Jersey
Besides the standard vehicle registration fees in New Jersey, several additional fees may apply under certain conditions.
Duplicate or Replacement Documentation Fees
If duplicate or replacement registration documents are needed, the following fees apply:
- $5 for a replacement boat decal
- $5 for a one-year passenger or commercial registration
- $5 for the final year of a Four-Year Accelerated Registration
- $11 at any time during the initial three years of a Four-Year Accelerated Registration
Sales Tax
A 6.625% sales tax is applied to the purchase price of any new or used vehicle. This tax applies to motor vehicles, which are defined as vehicles designed for operation on public highways and powered by a motor.
Examples include cars, motorcycles, and house trailers. However, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, lawn tractors, and bulldozers are not classified as motor vehicles.
Transfer of Ownership Fee
The fee to transfer a vehicle's title is $60. If the vehicle has a lien, the fee increases to $85.
Registration Transfer Fee
Transferring vehicle registration incurs a fee of $4.50. If the transfer involves a change in the vehicle's weight class, any prorated increase in the registration fee must also be paid.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, vehicle registrations are valid for one year and require annual renewal. Owners receive a renewal notice by mail approximately three months before the current registration expires. There are three methods available for renewing vehicle registrations.
Same-Day Online Renewal
The NJ MVC offers a same-day online renewal service for vehicle registration through its website. Once registrants finish the process, their registration renewal takes effect immediately.
To initiate the online registration renewal, they must have the following specific items:
- A valid insurance company ID and policy number
- A valid credit card (MasterCard, VISA, Discover, or American Express)
- The registration renewal form
Vehicle owners should start by visiting the NJ MVC's official website and selecting the "Renew Your Registration" tab under Online Services.
They must provide essential information, including the VIN, insurance details, Social Security number, and vehicle license plate number. Additionally, they can choose special interest plates if desired.
After entering the required information, vehicle owners must pay the applicable registration fees using a valid credit card.
Once vehicle owners complete the registration renewal form, the NJ MVC will send their registration documents to the address on file. Vehicle owners must verify that the address printed on their renewal certificate is accurate.
If there has been a change in their mailing address, they should update it before finalizing the form. The registration documents will be mailed to vehicle owners within 7 to 14 days.
In-Personal Renewal
Vehicle owners, especially those who encounter issues with their registration, can schedule an appointment to renew their vehicle registration at a nearby local NJ MVC office. They will need to present these specific documents to complete the process smoothly:
- License plate number
- Driver's license or other primary ID
- Insurance card or company name and policy number
- Registration Renewal Notice or VIN
- Power of Attorney (if renewing for someone else)
In-person applicants can pay the renewal amount specified in their renewal notice using a check, money order, credit/debit card, or cash.
Mail Renewal
Vehicle owners in New Jersey can opt to renew their vehicle registration by mail. To do so, they should use the return envelope provided with their notice and complete both sides of the Registration Renewal Notice.
They must also include a check or money order payable to NJ MVC for the due amount shown in the renewal notice. Vehicle owners should ensure the address on the notice is visible through the envelope window before mailing.
How To Check if a Vehicle Is Currently Registered in New Jersey?
The Open Public Records Act (OPRA) is a state law that governs public access to government records maintained by public agencies. According to this law, individuals can request driver and vehicle records such as registrations, titles, licenses, and histories.
There are two main options for verifying vehicle registration in New Jersey. The first involves submitting an online request via the OPRA Central website. Visitors to the site can use the State Request Form, selecting "Transportation" and then "Motor Vehicle Commission" for MVC records.
The second option is to mail a request by downloading and completing the Vehicle Registration Application Request(Form DO-11A). The form should be mailed to the address below:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Business & Government Services
225 East State Street
P.O. Box 146
Trenton, NJ 08666-0146
For both methods, it is essential to provide the following information:
- The requester's name, address, and telephone number
- A thorough description of the vehicle registration record being requested
- The preferred method of accessing the record
- The desired medium and mode for receiving the information
Additionally, charges may be incurred for accessing the requested records, which include fees for record search, delivery/postage, and IT system utilization. Payments can be made using cash, check, or money order.