How To Register a Car in New Jersey

Who Needs Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

Vehicle registration is mandatory for all motor vehicles operated on public roads in New Jersey. This requirement applies to both residents and non-residents under specific circumstances outlined in New Jersey Revised Statutes Title 39.

New residents must register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency in New Jersey. The 60-day period begins when you establish legal residence, not merely temporary presence in the state. New residents must also obtain a New Jersey driver's license within the same timeframe.

Military personnel who are legal residents of other states but stationed in New Jersey are generally exempt from New Jersey registration requirements. However, New Jersey residents on active duty who are stationed in other states may maintain their New Jersey registration. Active-duty military members should consult with base transportation offices regarding specific exemptions and requirements.

Students attending New Jersey educational institutions while maintaining legal residence in another state are typically exempt from registration requirements, provided their vehicle registration remains current in their home state and they can demonstrate clear evidence of out-of-state residency.

Temporary visitors and seasonal residents must register their vehicles if they establish residency or if their temporary presence extends beyond visitor status as determined by New Jersey residency laws.

Businesses and fleet operators must register all vehicles based in New Jersey or regularly operated within the state. Commercial operations may require additional documentation and compliance with commercial vehicle regulations. Businesses must first apply for an Entity Identification Number (EIN) if registering vehicles under a business name.

Licensed dealers may handle certain aspects of vehicle registration for their customers, though final registration processing occurs through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).

Vehicles engaged in interstate commercial operations may require registration under the International Registration Plan (IRP), which allows proportional registration based on mileage operated in each jurisdiction. New Jersey provides IRP services for qualifying commercial operators.

What Types of Vehicles Need Registration in New Jersey

New Jersey requires registration for most motor vehicles operated on public roads, with specific requirements varying by vehicle type and intended use:

Passenger vehicles:

• All passenger cars regardless of age or value
• Sport utility vehicles and crossovers
• Minivans and passenger vans
• Convertibles and luxury vehicles
• Electric and hybrid passenger vehicles

Motorcycles and related vehicles:

• All motorcycles and motor scooters
• Three-wheeled motorcycles and autocycles
• Mopeds and motorized bicycles
• Off-road motorcycles when operated on public roads

Commercial and heavy vehicles:

• Light trucks and pickup trucks
• Commercial trucks and delivery vehicles
• Box trucks and moving vehicles
• Truck-tractors and commercial towing equipment
• Emergency and service vehicles

Buses and passenger transport:

• School buses and activity buses
• Transit and charter buses
• Shuttle and tour buses
• Private and commercial passenger coaches

Recreational vehicles:

• Motor homes and recreational vehicles
• Travel trailers and camping trailers
• Boat trailers and watercraft haulers
• All-terrain vehicle (ATV) trailers

Trailers and towed equipment:

• Utility trailers of all sizes
• Equipment trailers and cargo haulers
• Horse trailers and livestock carriers
• Specialty trailers and mobile equipment

Antique and classic vehicles:

• Historic motor vehicles 25 years or older may qualify for special registration
• Collector vehicles and restored classics
• Street rods and modified vintage vehicles

Special categories:

• Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) subject to additional annual fees effective July 1, 2024
• Commercial vehicles with specific weight and operation restrictions
• Farm vehicles registered under agricultural provisions
• Government and emergency services vehicles

New Jersey provides various specialty plate options for different vehicle categories and causes. Commercial vehicle operators should review commercial vehicle information for specific requirements and restrictions.

Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Registration in New Jersey

Several categories of vehicles are exempt from New Jersey's standard registration requirements:

Agricultural vehicles and equipment:

• Farm tractors and agricultural implements used exclusively for farming operations
• Farm vehicles with proper agricultural registration under N.J.S.A. 39:3-24 and 39:3-25
• Agricultural equipment not designed for highway operation
• Farm vehicle exempt license plates available through the Farm Bureau for qualifying equipment

Government and official vehicles:

• Federal government vehicles and military equipment
• State of New Jersey fleet vehicles
• Municipal and county government vehicles
• Emergency services vehicles including fire, police, and ambulance units
• Military tactical vehicles and specialized government equipment

Commercial vehicle exemptions:

• Vehicles used exclusively on private property
• Industrial site vehicles and equipment
• Airport ground support equipment
• Emergency vehicles with proper governmental designation

Historic and collector exemptions:

• Historic motor vehicles properly registered under collector provisions
• Collector motor vehicles meeting specific age and use criteria
• Farm tractors and traction equipment used for historical purposes

Inspection-exempt categories:

• Vehicles 25 years or older exempt from emissions testing requirements
• Motorcycles and motorized bicycles exempt from certain inspection requirements
• Gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1995 and older exempt from emissions testing

Special use exemptions:

• Vehicles in transit through New Jersey under specific conditions
• Non-operational vehicles stored on private property
• Competition vehicles used exclusively for organized racing events
• Construction equipment operated solely on job sites

Sales tax exemptions apply to certain categories including properly registered farm vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeding 18,000 pounds and qualifying tax-exempt vehicles under specific statutes.

What Do You Need To Register a Car in New Jersey

New Jersey vehicle registration requires specific documentation and fees that vary based on vehicle type and registration status:

Required documentation for all registrations:

• Completed Vehicle Registration Application Form (Form BA-49)with accurate vehicle information
• Proof of ownership: Certificate of title, bill of sale, or manufacturer's certificate of origin
• Valid identification: New Jersey driver's license or acceptable primary identification
• Insurance verification: New Jersey liability insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements
• Lien documentation if applicable, including security agreements or lease contracts

New vehicle registrations:

• New vehicles receive a four-year initial registration period
• Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) for brand new vehicles
• Dealer documentation and purchase agreements
• Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) fee for qualifying electric vehicles

Used vehicle transfers:

• Properly assigned certificate of title showing legal ownership transfer
• Odometer disclosure statement for vehicles under 10 years old
• Previous registration certificate when available
• VIN verification for out-of-state vehicles

Out-of-state transfers:

• Current out-of-state title and registration
• VIN inspection conducted at MVC facility or authorized location
• Emissions compliance documentation if required
• Insurance conversion to New Jersey-approved carrier

Leased vehicles:

• Certificate of Title Application from leasing company
• Lease agreement documentation
• Registration period corresponding to lease term length

Safety and emissions inspection requirements: Vehicles must pass New Jersey's inspection program, which includes:

• Emissions testing for gasoline vehicles model year 1996 and newer
• Safety inspections every two years for most vehicles
• Five-year inspection cycle for new vehicles
• Certain counties may have specific inspection requirements

Registration fees and taxes:

• Title fee: $60 standard, $85 with one lien, $110 with two liens
• Registration fees calculated by vehicle weight and type using the registration fee calculator
• Sales tax: 6.625% of vehicle purchase price
• ZEV annual fee: $250 (2024), increasing $10 annually through 2028

Timing requirements:

• New residents: Register within 60 days of establishing residency
• Vehicle purchases: Complete registration before temporary tags expire
• Late penalties apply for expired registrations with no grace period

Where to Register Your Vehicle in New Jersey

New Jersey operates an extensive network of Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) facilities providing different services based on location type and specialization:

Regional Service Centers:

Paterson Regional Service Center
125 Broadway, Suite 201, Paterson, NJ 07505
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(609) 292-6500
Paterson Regional Center

Wayne Regional Service Center
481 Route 46 West, Wayne, NJ 07470
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(609) 292-6500
Wayne Regional Center

Newark Regional Service Center
228 Frelinghuysen Avenue, Newark, NJ 07114
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(609) 292-6500
Newark Regional Center

Trenton Regional Service Center
120 South Stockton Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(609) 292-6500
Trenton Regional Center

Eatontown Regional Service Center
109 Route 36, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(609) 292-6500
Eatontown Regional Center

Vehicle Centers throughout the state handle registration transactions, title work, and related vehicle services. Major Vehicle Centers include locations in Jersey City, Springfield, Wallington, Somerville, and Cherry Hill.

Licensing Centers provide driver licensing services and may offer limited vehicle registration assistance depending on the specific location and transaction type.

New Jersey operates approximately 71 MVC locations statewide, including specialized facilities for vehicle inspections, road testing, and commercial vehicle services. Senior customers aged 65 and older receive priority service during designated hours at Vehicle Centers on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A complete directory is available at the New Jersey MVC facility locations page.

Appointment system: New Jersey MVC operates on an appointment-based system for most services, with online appointment scheduling available through the official portal. Walk-in services may be limited depending on facility capacity and current operations.

Can I Register a Vehicle Online in New Jersey?

New Jersey offers limited online vehicle registration services primarily focused on renewals and specific administrative functions:

Available online services:

• Registration renewals for eligible vehicles through the MVC online portal
• Duplicate registration requests for lost or damaged certificates
• Address changes for existing registrations
• Registration status verification and inquiry services
• Temporary vehicle tag services for licensed dealers

Online renewal eligibility: New Jersey allows online registration renewal when the following conditions are met:

• Current registration is in good standing with no violations or holds
• Vehicle has passed all required safety and emissions inspections
• Insurance coverage remains current and verifiable with New Jersey-approved carriers
• No ownership changes or lien modifications required
• Registration renewal notice received with valid access information

Registration renewal process: Qualified vehicle owners receive renewal notices three months prior to expiration containing necessary information for online processing. The online renewal system accepts payment and processes renewals with immediate effectiveness upon completion.

Online payment options: New Jersey MVC accepts various payment methods for online services:

• Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
• Debit cards from participating banks
• Electronic checking account payments
• Processing fees may apply depending on payment method selected

Services requiring in-person processing:

• Initial vehicle registration for all new registrations
• Title transfers and ownership changes
• Out-of-state vehicle transfers requiring VIN verification
• Lien additions or releases affecting vehicle ownership
• Commercial vehicle registrations with special requirements
• Specialty plate applications and modifications

IRP services: Commercial operators can access International Registration Plan services through the dedicated IRP portal for qualified interstate operations.

Mobile services: New Jersey MVC operates mobile units providing limited services at various locations throughout the state, primarily for driver licensing and Real ID services.

The MVC online services portal provides 24-hour access to available digital transactions, helping customers "Skip the Trip" to physical MVC locations for qualifying services.

When Does Vehicle Registration Expire in New Jersey

New Jersey operates a birthday-based registration expiration system where vehicle registrations expire on the owner's birthday, creating personalized renewal schedules for each registrant.

Registration expiration dates: Vehicle registrations expire on the registrant's numerical calendar day of birth in the 12th calendar month following issuance. For example, if your birthday is March 15th and you register a vehicle in May, your registration will expire on March 15th of the following year.

Exception for month-end birthdays: When a birthday falls on a day that does not exist in the 12th month (such as February 30th), the registration expires on the last day of the 12th calendar month following issuance, ensuring all registrations have valid expiration dates.

Registration term lengths:

• New vehicles: Receive four-year initial registration periods
• Used vehicles: Typically receive one-year registration periods
• Leased vehicles: Registration term corresponds to lease agreement length
• Commercial vehicles: May have different renewal schedules based on operating requirements

Registration certificate information: New Jersey registration certificates clearly display:

• Expiration date corresponding to the owner's birthday
• License plate number and vehicle identification details
• Registration year and renewal requirements
• Vehicle specifications and classification information

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) fees: Effective July 1, 2024, ZEVs are subject to annual fees in addition to standard registration costs:

• 2024-2025: $250 annual fee
• 2025-2026: $260 annual fee
• 2026-2027: $270 annual fee
• 2027-2028: $280 annual fee

Renewal notification system: The New Jersey MVC mails renewal notices three months before expiration to the address on file. Vehicle owners remain responsible for timely renewal regardless of whether they receive notices. Address changes should be reported promptly to ensure proper delivery.

Consequences of expired registration:

• No grace period for expired registrations in New Jersey
• Immediate violation status upon expiration
• Law enforcement citations for operating with expired registration
• Late fees and penalties apply to overdue renewals
• Vehicle impoundment possible in certain circumstances

Special registration schedules:

• Historic vehicles may qualify for extended registration periods
• Commercial vehicles over certain weights may have specific renewal requirements
• Farm vehicles may operate under different registration schedules
• Government vehicles follow agency-specific renewal procedures

Inspection coordination: New Jersey requires vehicles to pass inspections every two years, with new vehicles receiving a five-year initial inspection period. Registration renewal and inspection requirements are coordinated to ensure compliance with both programs.