How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in New Jersey From Out of State
Registering an out-of-state vehicle in New Jersey requires adherence to state regulations administered by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Individuals establishing residency in New Jersey must register their vehicles within 60 days of becoming state residents or before the expiration of their out-of-state registration, whichever occurs first.
Base Registration and Title Fees
The total expenditure for registering an out-of-state vehicle in New Jersey encompasses state registration fees, title application fees, and the additional zero-emission vehicle surcharge, where applicable. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission maintains standardized fee schedules for all vehicle registration transactions processed through licensing centers statewide.
Standard Registration Fees
Registration fees in New Jersey are determined by vehicle weight classification, model year, and vehicle type. Complete fee schedules are accessible through the Motor Vehicle Commission Registration and Title Fees page.
Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Category | Model Year | Weight | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Passenger Cars | Within 2 years | Under 3,500 lbs. | $59.00 |
| Standard Passenger Cars | Within 2 years | Over 3,500 lbs. | $84.00 |
| Standard Passenger Cars | Older than 2 years | Under 3,500 lbs. | $46.50 |
| Standard Passenger Cars | Older than 2 years | Over 3,500 lbs. | $71.50 |
| Classic Cars | 1971-1979 | Under 2,700 lbs. | $38.50 |
| Classic Cars | 1971-1979 | 2,700-3,800 lbs. | $49.50 |
| Classic Cars | 1971-1979 | Over 3,800 lbs. | $72.50 |
| Antique Cars | 1970 or older | Under 2,700 lbs. | $35.50 |
| Antique Cars | 1970 or older | 2,700-3,800 lbs. | $44.50 |
| Antique Cars | 1970 or older | Over 3,800 lbs. | $65.50 |
Other Vehicle Type Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle (pleasure) | $65.00 |
| Motorized bicycle (moped) | $15.00 |
| Historic vehicle | $44.00 |
| Low-speed vehicles (initial) | $46.50 |
| Low speed vehicles (2+ years old) | $34.00 |
| Commuter van (within 2 years) | $84.00 |
| Commuter van (older than 2 years) | $71.50 |
Recreational Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Private utility trailer (≤2,000 lbs.) | $18.00 |
| Private utility trailer (>2,000 lbs.) | $23.00 |
| ATV (resident) | $34.00 |
| ATV (non-resident) | $38.00 |
| Dirt bike (resident) | $34.00 |
| Dirt bike (non-resident) | $38.00 |
| Snowmobile (resident) | $24.00 |
| Snowmobile (non-resident) | $28.00 |
Additional Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Registration transfer between vehicles | $4.50 |
| Duplicate registration (1-year or year 4 of 4-year) | $5.00 |
| Duplicate registration (years 1-3 of 4-year) | $11.00 |
Discounts
- Senior citizens (65+) and persons with disabilities: $7.00 discount on passenger vehicle registration fees
- PAAD, SSI, and Lifeline recipients: Eligible for discounted registration fees
Note: Motor homes and non-commercial trucks have fees based on gross vehicle weight.
Zero Emission Vehicle Surcharge
Under New Jersey law, zero-emission vehicles are subject to an additional annual surcharge beyond standard registration fees. The supplemental fee is payable in full at initial registration and at each renewal period.
Zero Emission Vehicle Additional Fee:
| Effective Period | Annual Surcharge |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 | $250.00 |
| July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 | $260.00 |
| July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 | $270.00 |
| July 1, 2027 - June 30, 2028 | $280.00 |
| July 1, 2028, and thereafter | $290.00 |
For new zero-emission vehicles registered with a four-year accelerated registration, the total surcharge for all four years is payable at initial registration.
Title Application Fees
Title fees are assessed for the transfer and issuance of certificates of title.
Title Transaction Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer of title | $60.00 |
| Transfer of title with lien | $85.00 |
| Duplicate certificate of title | $60.00 |
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
New Jersey imposes a state sales tax on the purchase and transfer of motor vehicles. The New Jersey Division of Taxation administers the collection of sales and use taxes for vehicle transactions.
State Sales and Use Tax
The state sales and use tax on automotive vehicles is established at a uniform percentage statewide.
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Rate:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax - Automotive Vehicles | 6.625% |
| Use Tax - Automotive Vehicles | 6.625% |
The 6.625% sales tax applies to the purchase price of new and used vehicles. For out-of-state purchases, New Jersey allows a credit for sales tax (or use tax) legally paid to another state. If the sales tax rate paid is less than the New Jersey rate, the resident must pay the difference when registering the vehicle.
Zero Emission Vehicle Sales Tax
New Jersey has implemented a phased elimination of the sales tax exemption for zero-emission vehicles. The phase-out schedule is administered by the Division of Taxation.
Zero Emission Vehicle Tax Rates:
| Effective Period | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 | 3.3125% |
| July 1, 2025, and thereafter | 6.625% |
Vehicle Inspection Exemption Decal
Certain vehicles qualifying for inspection exemptions must obtain an exemption decal from the Motor Vehicle Commission. The exemption decal fee applies to vehicles meeting specific criteria for exemption from standard inspection requirements.
Inspection Exemption Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial exemption decal voucher | $25.00 |
| Exemption decal renewal voucher | $25.00 |
Vehicles eligible for inspection exemption include gasoline-powered passenger vehicles model year 1995 or older with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less and gasoline-powered passenger vehicles model year 2007 or older with a gross vehicle weight rating between 8,501 and 14,000 pounds.
Government Agencies and Contact Information
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
225 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone: (609) 292-6500
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission issues vehicle titles, maintains vehicle records, administers vehicle registration programs, and oversees all vehicle licensing activities conducted through regional service centers and licensing facilities throughout the state.
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Regional Service Centers
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission operates full-service facilities through regional service centers and specialized licensing locations in all counties. Complete office location information is accessible through the Facility Locations directory maintained by the Commission.
Newark Regional Service Center
228 Frelinghuysen Avenue, Newark, NJ 07114
Phone: (609) 292-6500
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Paterson Regional Service Center
125 Broadway, Suite 201, Paterson, NJ 07505
Phone: (609) 292-6500
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Trenton Regional Service Center
120 South Stockton Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609) 292-6500
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Wayne Licensing Center
481 Route 46 West, Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone: (609) 292-6500
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Eatontown Regional Service Center
109 Route 36, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Phone: (609) 292-6500
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
West Deptford Regional Service Center
215 Crown Point Road, Thorofare, NJ 08086
Phone: (609) 292-6500
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Jersey City Vehicle Center
438 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Phone: (609) 292-6500
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Elizabeth Licensing Center
17 Caldwell Place, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Phone: (609) 292-6500
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Camden Licensing Center
2600 Mount Ephraim Avenue, Suite 400, Camden, NJ 08104
Phone: (609) 292-6500
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Vineland Licensing Center
9 West Park Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360
Phone: (609) 292-6500
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
