How to register a car in New Jersey

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Registering a car in New Jersey isn’t a difficult task. There is required paperwork, fees, and documentation that must be filed with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). If you purchase a vehicle from a dealership in the state of New Jersey, the dealership will handle your registration and title for you as a part of the service they provide customers.

If you purchase a used car from a private owner, an out-of-state dealership, or at an auction – or if you need to transfer a vehicle into New Jersey – you are required to register this purchased vehicle at the New Jersey MVC. If you buy a vehicle with no financing, the dealership may give you the title paperwork to be filed and transferred, along with the new registration.

Here’s how to register a car in New Jersey

If you are registering a car in New Jersey as a new owner, you must complete the process in person at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. If you are renewing an existing car registration, this can be done in-person, online, or via U. S. Mail.

Here is the process for registering a car for the first time:

Schedule an appointment. You must schedule an appointment. to register a car for the first time in the State of New Jersey. There are no walk-in appointments available. You can schedule an appointment online.
Bring the title. Make sure you bring a physical copy of the title.
Bring your driver’s license. Bring your driver’s license (and double-check that it’s not expired). Here is a list of what is accepted to prepare you for your scheduled appointment.
Bring your insurance card. Bring a New Jersey insurance card with the carrier name and your policy number.
Complete a Vehicle Registration Application form. Complete a Vehicle Registration Application Form (Form BA-49). Here is a link to the form that you can download, print, and complete for your in-person appointment.
Bring power of attorney documentation. If someone other than the purchaser is signing the documents, bring power of attorney documents.
Bring dealer reassignment documentation. If applicable, bring dealer reassignment documentation with you.
Provide lien-holder information. If the vehicle is leased or financed, bring lien-holder information and any financing statements.
Be prepared if the vehicle is transferred from another state. You will need a completed Application for a Certificate of Ownership. Here is a link to that form.

If you purchased your car at auction and the vehicle is non-titled, you will need the following documentation:

Last previously issued registration document.
Notarized bill of sale.
Pencil tracing or photograph of the VIN plate.

How do you re-register a car in New Jersey online?

In New Jersey, you can renew your registration online. As soon as you have completed the process, your car or vehicle registration renewal is effective immediately.

You will need the following items to start the registration renewal process online:

Your registration renewal form.
Valid insurance company documentation ID card and policy number.
Valid credit card: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover.

Here is the process for renewing your vehicle’s registration online:

Enter vehicle information. There should be a 9-digit PIN on your renewal form, or you can request one on the online renewal page.
Enter owner information. In addition to your name, enter your insurance details, Social Security number, and any family duplication requested.
Special interest plates. You can select special interest plates if you would like them.
Pay fees.

Once you complete the online registration form, the N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission will mail your registration documents to the mailing address they have on file. It’s important to confirm that the address printed on your renewal certificate is correct. If the mailing address on your registration has changed, update it before you complete the form.

Your registration documents will be mailed to you within seven to 14 days. Any family duplicates that are ordered will be mailed separately within seven to 14 days, and vanity plates will be mailed within seven to 14 days. If you have not received them after three weeks, please call the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Use the “Contact Us” link at NJMVC.gov or contact the call center at 609-292-6500.

How to re-register a car in N.J. by mail

If you are ineligible to renew online, you must make an appointment to renew your registration in person. Appointments are required. You can also re-register a vehicle in NJ via U.S. mail. Here’s what you will need to complete this process:

A completed Registration Renewal Notice. Both front and back must be completed in order to be valid.
Return envelope provided along with your re-registration notice.
Check or money order (payable to NJMVC) for the amount due, indicated in your renewal notice.
Insert the check or money order (payable to NJMVC) for the amount indicated in the return envelope provided with your notice.

How much does it cost to register your car in N.J.?

There are various fees associated with registering a car in New Jersey. Registering one that is older than two years is $46.50. A car model within two years is $59. The fees for registering other types of vehicles are higher.

To transfer the title of a car is $60 (or $85 with a lien).

How to transfer your car registration to New Jersey

Under New Jersey state law, you must transfer your vehicle title and registration (with or without a lien) within 60 days.

The process can be completed using these steps:

Make a “New Title or Registration” appointment.
Bring proof of identification (usually a valid driver’s license), original title, your insurance information, a Completed Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA), and Completed Vehicle Registration Application (Form BA-49).

Do you need car insurance in N.J.?

Auto insurance is mandatory in New Jersey, and the state’s Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act mandated that a Basic Policy be available to all drivers. You are breaking the law if you drive uninsured.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What happens if you live in New Jersey and your car isn’t registered there?

Technically, you should register the car in New Jersey if your legal residence is in the state. If a police officer pulls you over for a traffic violation, and you don’t have a valid registration in New Jersey, there could be fines levied.

What documents do you need to transfer your registration to New Jersey?

To complete a New Jersey title transfer as a new resident from out of state, you will need a driver's license, current title, proof of insurance, Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA), Vehicle Registration Application (Form BA-49), and a transfer title fee of $60.

Do I need a New Jersey driver's license to register a car in N.J.?

A New Jersey driver's license is the easiest form of identification to use when you're trying to register a car in New Jersey. However, it's not required. If you do not have a New Jersey driver's license, you can use the 6 Points of ID method to prove your identity.

What must every vehicle registered in the state of N.J. have?

Liability insurance. This coverage will pay others for damages that you cause if you are at fault for an accident. It does not cover medical expenses.

Personal injury protection. This will cover medical expenses if you or other persons covered under your policy are injured in an automobile accident.

Uninsured motorist coverage. It protects you if you are in an accident with someone who doesn’t have proper insurance coverage.

This story was written by NJ Personal Finance, a partner of NJ.com. The information presented here is created independently from the NJ.com editorial staff, and purchases made through links in this article may result in NJ.com earning a commission.