How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in New Jersey in 2025
New Jersey vehicle registration involves multiple fee components administered by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
Base Registration Fees
New Jersey registration fees are structured by vehicle classification and weight, with multi-year options available for most vehicle types:
Passenger Vehicles (Up to 3,500 lbs)
| Registration Period | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | $35.00 |
| 2 Years | $70.00 |
| 4 Years | $140.00 |
| 5 Years | $175.00 |
Light Trucks (3,501-4,500 lbs)
| Registration Period | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | $49.00 |
| 2 Years | $98.00 |
| 4 Years | $196.00 |
| 5 Years | $245.00 |
Motorcycles
| Registration Period | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | $22.00 |
| 2 Years | $44.00 |
| 4 Years | $88.00 |
Heavier commercial vehicles and trucks over 4,500 lbs incur higher registration fees based on gross vehicle weight. Contact the New Jersey MVC for specific commercial vehicle fee schedules.
Title Fees
New Jersey requires title documentation for vehicle ownership transfers and new registrations:
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard title | $60.00 |
| Title with lien notation | $85.00 |
| Duplicate title (lost/damaged) | $60.00 |
Title fees apply when transferring vehicle ownership, registering out-of-state vehicles, or replacing lost title documents. The lienholder title fee applies when financing is involved and a lender must be noted on the title.
Specialty License Plate Fees
New Jersey offers various specialty and personalized license plates with additional fees:
| Plate Type | Additional Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard personalized plate | $50.00 |
| College plates | $50.00 |
| Military plates | $10.00 |
| Veteran plates | $10.00 |
| Custom plate designs | $25.00-$105.00 |
Specialty plate fees are in addition to standard registration fees. Custom plate design fees vary based on the specific organization or cause supported by the plate.
Late Registration Penalties
New Jersey imposes escalating late fees for registration renewals past the expiration date:
| Days Late | Late Fee |
|---|---|
| 1-10 days | $10.00 |
| 11-30 days | $25.00 |
| 31-60 days | $50.00 |
| Over 60 days | $100.00 |
Late fees are in addition to standard registration renewal fees. Setting calendar reminders or using online renewal alerts can help avoid these penalties.
Sales Tax Requirements
New Jersey requires sales tax payment during vehicle registration for newly purchased vehicles. Sales tax rates vary by municipality and are calculated based on the vehicle's purchase price minus any trade-in value. Contact your local MVC office for current sales tax rates in your area.
Registration Period Options
New Jersey allows multi-year registration periods for most vehicle types, providing cost savings for longer terms:
Cost Comparison for Standard Passenger Vehicle
| Registration Length | Total Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| 2 Years | $70.00 | $35.00 |
| 4 Years | $140.00 | $35.00 |
| 5 Years | $175.00 | $35.00 |
The multi-year option provides convenience without additional cost per year, though upfront payment is higher.
Payment Methods
The New Jersey MVC accepts multiple payment methods for registration and title services:
Online: Credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks through the NJ MVC website
In Person: Cash, personal checks, money orders, credit cards, and debit cards at MVC locations
By Mail: Personal checks or money orders sent to the address specified on renewal notices
Cost-Planning Resources
New Jersey provides online tools to estimate total registration costs. The NJ vehicle 4-Year Registration Fee Calculator considers vehicle type, weight, registration period, and specialty plate options to provide accurate cost estimates before visiting an MVC office.
