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How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New Jersey
1. Get Started With Car Registration Application Assistance Online
Vehicle registrations need to be renewed regularly. Many states require vehicle owners to renew their registrations every year, although some states offer the option to purchase registrations that last for two years or longer. Most states allow you to quickly renew your car registration online, but you should be aware of the information you will need to provide, the necessary fees and the acceptable methods of payment to ensure a smooth transaction. Our online guide can help you prepare all the required documents and fees so that you can renew your vehicle registration as smoothly and quickly as possible. In it, you will also discover all the steps needed to replace a lost registration and to update your name or address with the DMV.
2. By Mail
Some vehicle owners may prefer to renew their auto registrations through the mail. Certain states will allow their residents to apply by mail, but vehicle owners may need to meet certain eligibility requirements to submit their request. Additionally, the ways in which you may pay your renewal fee are limited to check or money order, and you may experience processing delays due to the time it takes the postal service to deliver your application. Furthermore, you may risk losing your application or registration tags in the mail, adding to the wait time.
3. In Person at a DMV Office
Renewing your vehicle registration in person at a DMV office is an option if you cannot or prefer not to apply by mail or online. Typically, the DMV will issue your new registration credentials after receiving payment. However, certain states may require you to wait to receive your renewed registration documents in the mail. While visiting a DMV office in person may provide you with more personalized attention, it often involves long waits. Additionally, the office hours of many DMV locations can interfere with your work schedule.
Motorists must request a car registration renewal in New Jersey before operating their registered state vehicles on public roadways. Various options for completing this procedure are available to residents, such as requesting a car registration renewal online, in person or by mail. In any case, drivers wondering how to renew a car registration in NJ must be mindful of the eligibility requirements for acquiring these credentials.
Requirements for Car Registration Renewal in New Jersey
For drivers to renew a car registration online, in person or by mail, they must meet certain requirements. For instance, applicants must:
- Be NJ residents.
- Have an up-to-date auto insurance policy.
- Not have any unpaid parking tickets or traffic infractions in the state.
- Pay registration costs to the state using valid payment methods.
- Not use an expired car registration form while operating vehicles.
What do you need to renew your car registration in New Jersey?
When requesting a DMV car registration renewal in New Jersey, you will need to provide personal details about yourself and your vehicle. Generally, the following information must be submitted:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Current residential address
- Drivers license number
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Proof of insurance
New Jersey Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice
Vehicle registration renewal notices are mailed to drivers before their credentials’ established expiration dates. Overall, these notices are sent to a motorist’s current address on file with the NJ DMV. Among other things, these letters state the registration’s status and include information about the available methods for renewal.
Note: At this time, online renewal notices by email are not available to New Jersey drivers.
New Jersey Car Registration Renewal Notice Lost or Not Received
If your notice to renew a car registration in NJ is lost or was never received, you are still responsible for obtaining updated documents by the expiration date. Drivers must maintain an up-to-date address on file with the DMV to ensure notices are mailed to their most current residence.
Because operating a vehicle with an expired registration is illegal, renewing registration by the established deadline is very important. Thus, keeping a personal record of upcoming expiration dates is a helpful way to avoid late renewal fees.
New Jersey Car Registration Renewal Options
There are three options for where to renew car registration in New Jersey. The available methods are online, in person and by mail. For many residents, the online method is most convenient. However, mail-in and in-person procedures are useful for drivers who need to update their personal information on file with the DMV. Find out more about these processes in the following sections.
How to Renew Your Car Registration Online
A New Jersey DMV registration renewal online is available for a short period of time before a current registration expires. As a general rule, online renewal requests cannot be submitted after the expiration date of a credential. Additionally, only drivers who receive a notice containing a personal identification number (PIN) are eligible to use the online method. In order to renew a car registration online, drivers must submit the following personal and vehicle details:
- Name
- PIN provided on NJ registration renewal notice
- Drivers license number
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Online DMV registration renewal fees can be paid using credit or debit cards. Upon request approval, renewed registration documents are sent to motorists via mail.
How to Renew Your Car Registration by Mail
Another option for how to renew your car registration in New Jersey is by mail. To receive updated renewal documents using this method, adhere to the following steps:
- Collect your official motor vehicle registration notice or current registration documents.
- Collect a valid proof of identification.
- Collect fee payments. Checks and money orders are the only acceptable forms of payment.
- Provide any necessary backup documents, such as proof of auto insurance.
- Submit all of these items and fee payment to the state licensing office.
When renew car registration requests are approved by the DMV, updated registration documents are mailed to drivers.
How to Renew Your Car Registration in Person
NJ drivers can also renew a car registration in person at a local licensing office. This method is convenient for drivers who do not have a computer or need to update their personal information on file. To complete an in-person DMV registration renewal, drivers must carry out the following steps:
- Submit requests for new registration by providing renewal notices or current registration documents.
- Provide all necessary personal and vehicle details, including name, birthdate, residential address and VIN.
- Provide photo identification, such as state drivers license or identification card.
- Provide proof of auto insurance, such as a valid insurance card.
- Submit the required fee payment.
The following forms of payment are acceptable when using the in-person method:
- Cash
- Check
- Money order
- Credit or debit card, including Visa, MasterCard and American Express
Military & Out of State Vehicle Registration Renewal in New Jersey
In New Jersey, military and out of state residents must adhere to the same expiration dates and other DMV registration renewal requirements in place. The best options for renewal when residing out of state are the online and mail-in methods.
New Jersey Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees
The vehicle registration renewal cost in New Jersey is based on the type and year of the car being renewed by drivers. For instance, a vehicle under 2,700 pounds that is newer than 1970 would be subject to a fee of $35.50. In addition to the base renewal fee, the following costs may apply:
- State and local taxes
- Processing fees
- Late fees, for requests submitted after the expiration date
Sources
- Registration Renewal from NJ.us