How to Register a Car in New Jersey

Applying for Registration

Locate the nearest motor vehicle agency. If you want to apply for a new vehicle registration, you must do so in person. New Jersey does not accept registration applications either online or through the mail. If you're not sure where the nearest MVC office is, you can look it up at https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/locations/facilitylocations.htm.Warning: You have to first schedule an appointment for registration before you can visit MVC.

Gather documents to support your application. Along with your application, you must present your driver's license or other identification, proof of New Jersey insurance, your vehicle title, and payment for taxes as well as title and registration fees. If your vehicle is leased or financed, you'll also need your financing statement and the lien holder's information.

Calculate your tax, title and registration fees. Registration fees vary depending on the weight and class of your vehicle. Title fees vary depending on whether your vehicle is financed. The MVC accepts major credit cards, personal checks, money orders, and cash for payment. To total your title and registration fees, visit https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/vehicles/regfees.htm and find the weight class that applies to your vehicle. Call the New Jersey Department of Taxation at 609-984-6206 if you need help calculating the sales tax for your vehicle. If you purchased a new car, you must pay the registration fees for 4 years. For leased vehicles, you must pay the registration fees for the term of the lease.

Complete the application form at the motor vehicle agency. The application form requires information about you and the vehicle you want to register. This form is only available at MVC offices – you can't download it online and fill it out ahead of time. Enter your information on the form neatly, writing in blue or black ink. Double-check your form for hours before you turn it in. Mistakes may cause your registration to be void.

Submit your application and payment of fees. When you are called, present your application along with your identification and form of payment. The MVC official will process your application and give you license plates and a registration document. Keep your registration document in the glove box of your car at all times. If you ordered a custom or specialty plate, you may be issued a temporary tag to be put on your car. Your plate will be mailed to you.

Transferring Your Registration

Confirm the registration code will remain the same. You can transfer the registration and plates from an old vehicle to a new one. However, the name on the registration and the vehicle weight class must be identical. For example, if you traded in a sedan for another sedan or a small SUV, you typically could transfer the registration. However, if you traded in a van or larger truck for a sedan, you wouldn't be able to transfer the registration because the vehicles wouldn't be in the same weight class.

Visit your local motor vehicle agency. If you want to transfer your registration from one car to another, you have to do it in person. New Jersey doesn't allow registration to be transferred online or through the mail. At the motor vehicle agency, let staff at the greeter desk know that you want to transfer registration. They'll provide you with the forms you need.

Complete a registration form for your new vehicle. Provide information about yourself, your residence, and the new vehicle on the registration form. Indicate that you're transferring registration from an old car to a new one. Enter the information legibly, using blue or black ink. Make sure the information you enter on the new form matches the information on the old registration form.

Submit your application along with proper identification. When you transfer your registration, present your driver's license and proof of New Jersey insurance, along with a copy of your old registration form. You may also need to verify your address with a piece of mail addressed to you that was issued within the last 60 days. You will have to pay a transfer fee of $4.50, plus the prorated registration fee. You can pay with a major credit or debit card, personal check, money order, or cash. If you also need to title your new car, provide the title. If your new car is financed or leased, provide the finance agreement along with the name and contact information for the lien holder.

Put the old plates on your new car. Once you've successfully transferred your registration, you will be issued a new registration document for your car. Keep the registration document in your glove box. Your old plates are now associated with your new car. You cannot use them with any other vehicle.

Renewing Your Registration

Review your renewal notice for accuracy. The MVC will mail you a renewal notice approximately 3 months before your registration expires. The notice includes your name and address, information about the vehicle, the date your registration expires, and the amount you owe to renew your registration. If any information on the renewal notice is inaccurate, call the MVC customer support line at 609-292-6500. The number is available on weekdays (except holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Use the PIN on your notice to renew online. Your renewal notice includes a 9-digit PIN on the lower right corner. Go to https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/vehicles/regrenew.htm and click "renew your registration online," then click the "Begin Online Registration Renewal" button. You also must provide your Social Security number and your insurance policy number. You can pay your registration fees online using a valid major credit or debit card. You cannot renew online after the expiration date listed on your renewal notice.

Detach the payment stub to renew by mail. Your renewal notice also includes a payment stub and return envelope. If you want to renew by mail, complete the payment stub and include a check or money order for payment of your registration fees. If you don't have the return envelope, you can mail your payment to New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Revenue Processing Center, PO Box 009, Trenton, NJ 08646-0009.

Visit your local motor vehicle agency to renew in person. Bring your driver's license, insurance card, and license plate number with you to renew your car registration in person. Renewing in person may be best if you are close to or past the expiration date of your old registration. The MVC accepts major credit or debit cards, checks, money orders, and cash if you are renewing your registration in person.