Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?

Yes, New Jersey state laws prohibit drivers from renewing car registration if the motor vehicle in question is not covered by the minimum required liability insurance coverage. Also, if your license is suspended for whatever reason, you must wait for the suspension period to expire before you can renew your NJ vehicle registration.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?

Yes, if you are currently out-of-state or unable to complete the process, you can have another person renew your NJ car registration on your behalf.

If you are eligible to renew online or by mail, you can provide someone else with the necessary documentation, however, if you have to renew vehicle registration in person at a MVC location, you will also need to provide a signed Power of Attorney to the person renewing your registration.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

Do boats need to be registered?

Yes, all boats in New Jersey longer than 12 feet and all motor-powered vessels must be registered with the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission. To register your boat in New Jersey, visit your local MVC office and follow these steps:

Provide documents that meet the MVC s 6 Point ID Verification requirements
Complete a Boat Registration application (Form BA-51)
At least one document that proves ownership (for boats 12 feet long or shorter as well as jet-ski and non-titled watercrafts)
A notarized Bill of Sale and statement of receipt from the seller (for boats 12 feet long or shorter as well as jet-ski and non-titled watercrafts)
Pay applicable registration fees

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New Jersey

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?

Yes, if your car registration or license plates are lost or stolen, you must report the incident with the local police department. After filing your report, you need to head to a nearby NJ MVC and provide a copy of the report to obtain a replacement registration certificate or license plates. You must also bring payment for the applicable replacement fees.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?

Yes, if you move out of New Jersey you must cancel your vehicle registration and surrender your inactive license plates. You can turn them in to a nearby DMV location in person or mail them to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Commission P.O. Box 129 Trenton, NJ 08666

Don t throw away your surrender receipt so that you may use it as proof that your license plates are no longer active.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New Jersey

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?

No, surrendering your damaged vehicle registration is not required when applying for duplicate car registration in New Jersey. However, it is strongly recommended that you turn in your damaged/mutilated car registration certificate to the NJ MVC, as this will protect you from possible identity theft or fraud. If you do not remember to bring it when replacing vehicle registration at the DMV, take extra care to properly dispose of it afterwards.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?

All motor-driven cycles in New Jersey are classified as mopeds or motorcycles and must be titled and registered in their respective category. To register motorcycle or moped, visit a NJ MVC location near you and provide the following documents:

Proof of New Jersey insurance
Title and registration fee payment
Proof of ownership
Registration Application (Form BA-49)
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO or MCO)
A color photo of the side of the motorcycle/moped

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New Jersey

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?

Used passenger vehicles in New Jersey must undergo an emissions inspection upon registration and then again every two years. New vehicles are given a five-year inspection. Commercial vehicles and buses, on the other hand, need to be inspected annually. Motorcycles are exempt from inspections.

Emissions testing is conducted at the following inspection facilities:

CIF
Private Inspection Facility

Make sure you have your NJ driving license, vehicle registration and proof of auto insurance upon inspection. All documents presented must be original; photocopies and emails are not accepted. If you pass the test, the inspector will place a new two-year sticker on your windshield, which shows the due date for your next vehicle inspection.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New Jersey

How can I renew my vehicle registration?

In New Jersey, drivers can renew car registration either in person, by mail or online.

To renew car registration in person, visit a NJ MVC location near you and provide the following documents:

Proof of identity, as required under the 6 Point ID program
At least one of the following:
- NJ registration renewal notice
- Current car registration
Proof of auto insurance
Payment of applicable fees

Drivers are eligible to renew car a registration online if they have received a PIN in their registration renewal notice. To proceed with the renewal online, visit the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission s website and follow the instructions provided.

To renew an expired car registration by mail, send your registration renewal notice with your proof of NJ auto insurance and a check or money order for the renewal fee to:

NJ Motor Vehicle Commission

Revenue Processing Center

P.O. Box 009

Trenton, NJ 08646-0009

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

How can I transfer my registration to another state?

If you are moving out of New Jersey, you need to cancel your vehicle registration and turn in your inactive license plates. The next step to take is to contact the DMV of the state of you are moving to and become familiar with the car registration procedures in your new home state.

If you have moved to NJ, you must obtain a NJ vehicle registration on your car. Visit your local MVC and follow these steps:

Submit proof of NJ car insurance
Present proof of your Social Security Number
Submit your NJ driving license
Provide the vehicle s odometer reading
Complete the application for registration (Form BA-49)
Pay the registration fees (vary depending on the age and weight of the vehicle)
Have your vehicle inspected

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New Jersey

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?

New Jersey has two types of handicap placards available to drivers with disabilities:

Permanent placard
Temporary placard

If you suffer from a permanent disability, you need to apply for permanent placard and/or a wheelchair symbol license plate either by mail or in person at an NJ MVC office. Make sure you complete an Application for Vehicle License Plates and/or Placard for Persons with a Disability (Form SP-41) and attach your medical certification on the application. If you are applying for a wheelchair symbol license plate, you should also submit your current vehicle registration. The NJ MVC does not charge a fee for permanent handicap permits.

Temporary handicap tags are issued to drivers with temporary disabilities and are valid for up to six months. Handicap placard applications are submitted to the NJ police chief and not the New Jersey MVC, even though the $4 fee needs to be mailed to the MVC.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New Jersey

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?

If your car registration and /or license plates have been stolen, you are required to report the theft to the local police and the New Jersey MVC. To do so, visit your local police station to file a police report, and then head to a nearby NJ DMV location and apply for duplicate license plates. You will need to provide the police report upon arrival at the MVC, as well as the stolen license plate number.

Reporting your stolen car registration with the police and the DMV will update your license plate status and protect you in the event of any fraudulent activities that may involve your NJ vehicle registration.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?

If your New Jersey vehicle registration is lost, damaged or stolen, you can apply for a duplicate car registration with the NJ MVC. To do so, follow the steps provided below:

Visit a MVC office
Provide proof of age and identification, such as your New Jersey drivers license
Present proof of NJ auto insurance
Complete a Replacement Application (Form BA-49)
A completed Power of attorney (POA)
Pay duplicate registration fee

If your license plates are damaged, you can request duplicate plates by mail, however, if the plates are lost or stolen, you must make an in-person visit to an MVC office near you and obtain replacements. In this case, you also need to report your stolen license plates to the police.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

How do I obtain car registration?

All New Jersey drivers must register their vehicles to be able to legally drive them on state roads. If you have purchased a vehicle from a dealership, the dealer usually handles all your registration and titling issues. On the other hand, if you have bought a used vehicle or if you are transferring an out-of-state car registration, you have 10 days to register your car with the NJ MVC.

In order to register an out-of-state car registration with the NJ DMV, visit a nearby MVC location and provide the following documents:

Certificate of title
Registration application (BA-49)
Vehicle odometer reading
The buyer s driving license or another proof of identification as stated under the 6 Point ID program
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of New Jersey auto insurance
Payment for sales tax and titling fees
Payment for registration fee
Information for the lien holder, if applicable
Certificate of Ownership (form SS-7) for out-of-state vehicles

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New Jersey

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?

No, the New Jersey MVC does not charge a late fee if you do not renew your car registration by the due date indicated on your registration renewal notice. However, bear in mind that you will be fined if caught driving on expired registration, so make sure that you renew on time.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?

No, the procedure to replace personalized license plates in New Jersey is the same as replacing standard plates. However, the NJ DMV charges a $6 replacement fee for standard plates and an $11 duplicate fee for special interest or dedicated plates.

If your license plates are damaged, you can replace your plates by mail by sending a completed Application for Remaking of an Existing Licensing Plate (Form SP89), a copy of your vehicle registration, and a check or money order for the required fee to the NJ MVC.

If your plates are lost or stolen, you must obtain replacements by making an in-person visit at a New Jersey MVC office and providing your car registration certificate, your drivers license and payment for the duplicate fee.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?

Drivers must get car registration and NJ car insurance in order to legally operate a motor vehicle in New Jersey. Both must be carried in your vehicle at all times. Failure to do so will result in penalties and fines and even a suspension on your registration privileges.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New Jersey

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?

Some of the most common reasons why drivers obtain duplicate vehicle registration certificates include the following:

Voluntary replacement at any time during your registration period
Lost car registration certificate, license plate and/or decal
Stolen car registration or license plate
Your registration certificate has been damaged to a point of illegibility and the necessary information cannot be read from it

If any of the reasons can be applied to your specific case, visit your NJ Motor Vehicle Commission location and apply for a duplicate car registration or license plates.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?

Vehicle registration fees for used cars in New Jersey vary according to the weight and age of your vehicle. Check with the New Jersey MVC for the exact amount you will be required to pay before making your visit to a DMV location near you.

If you have purchased a new car, you must pay four years of registration fees upon the initial registration of the vehicle. Also, purchasing a leased vehicle requires drivers to pay a registration fee for the full term of the lease. To determine how much you owe the MVC in registration fee, use the NJ MVC Registration Fee Calculator.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New Jersey

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?

The fees associated with a car registration replacement in New Jersey are as follows:

$5 for one year passenger/commercial registration
$5 for the last year of four year accelerated registration
$11 anytime during the first three years of a four year accelerated registration

The fees to obtain replacement license plates, if your original plates have been lost, stolen or damaged are:

$6 for standard plates.
$11 for special interest or dedicated plates.

You must replace car registration in person at a nearby NJ MVC location. If you are not sure what methods of payment are available at the MVC office of your choice, contact them for more information before heading out. You can send a check or money order for the duplicate license plate fee if you are replacing them by mail.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

What are the required fees to renew my registration?

New Jersey car registration renewal fees vary depending on the type of the vehicle, the weight and the year. Your registration renewal vehicle will indicate the exact amount you will be required to pay.

Also, keep in mind that if you are a disabled or senior driver (65 and older), you get a $7 discount off the vehicle registration renewal fees. The NJ MVC does not charge late fees if you fail to renew your registration, however, you will be fined if caught driving with expired decals.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?

The New Jersey MVC requires drivers to submit the following documents to successfully replace a car registration:

A NJ drivers license
Proof of New Jersey car insurance
A completed Replacement Application (Form BA-49)
A Power of attorney (POA) from a leasing company, if you are replacing the registration of a leased vehicle

Drivers must also pay the applicable fees.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?

If you have purchased a vehicle from a dealership in New Jersey, the dealer usually handles all your registration and titling issues. On the other hand, if you have bought a used vehicle or if you are transferring an out of state car registration, you need to submit the following documents to a nearby MVC location:

A certificate of title, properly assigned with the name of the seller and the sales tax information section completed
A completed Registration Application (BA-49)
At least one proof of identification as stated under the 6 Point ID program
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of New Jersey auto insurance
Certificate of Ownership (form SS-7) for out-of-state vehicles

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New Jersey

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?

Drivers can renew car registration in New Jersey either online, by mail or in person at a MVC location and are required to submit the following documents:

Proof of identity, as required under the 6 Point ID program
At least one of the following:
- NJ registration renewal notice
- Current car registration
Proof of auto insurance

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?

If you renew your New Jersey car registration in person at your local MVC office you will receive your registration tags on the same day. However, if you renew expired car registration online or by mail, you must wait at least seven days for the MVC to process your application.

If you have not received your renewed registration within that time, contact the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to get more information on the delivery status of your vehicle registration tags.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

When does my car registration expire?

A New Jersey car registration must be renewed annually. This applies to all commercial and non-commercial vehicles operated on NJ state roads. To help you with the process, the MVC will sent you a registration renewal notice in the mail prior to the expiration date on your registration certificate.

In addition, the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission offers three methods to renew vehicle registration: online, by mail or in person. Whichever you choose, make sure you have all the necessary documents and required payment before you get the car registration renewal process started.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?

In New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission handles both licensing and registration and titling matters. If you need to complete a registration-related service, use our DMV locator to find a MVC office near you. By clicking on your location of choice on the map, you will all the information about that particular DMV location, from office hours to acceptable methods of payment.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?

Yes, you will be required to complete a Replacement Application (Form BA-49) to replace vehicle registration in New Jersey. This application is only obtainable from the New Jersey DMV offices.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?

Yes, the NJ MVC will send you a registration renewal notice reminding you that your New Jersey vehicle registration is about to expire. The MVC notice to renew vehicle registration will indicate the renewal fee you need to pay, the renewal due date and it will provide either a PIN, if you are eligible to renew online or an enclosed envelope, if you are allowed to renew by mail.

Please note that even if you do not receive a notice in the mail, it is your responsibility to renew car registration before it expires. The NJ MVC does not charge late fees if you fail to renew your registration on time, however, you will be fined if caught driving with expired decals.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?

No, New Jersey vehicle registrations are valid for one year, which means that your NJ car registration will expire one year after the initial registration or renewal. You will be reminded of the expiration date on your registration certificate by receiving a renewal notice from the NJ MVC.

Keep in mind that even if you do not receive a renewal notice in the mail, you are still responsible for renewing expired car registration on time, as failure to do so will result in fines and various penalties.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New Jersey