Driving a vehicle without a valid registration on public roads is dangerous and illegal. The process of registration of a vehicle might seem complex and time-consuming at first. However, if you are aware of all things first and done right, it is not as difficult as it seems. Here, we take you through every information you should know before and during registering your vehicle through this comprehensive guide.

Common Documents Required For Registering A Car In New Jersey

The documents required for transferring a car registration in New Jersey are a car title, driving license, New Jersey insurance card, and the vehicle registration application form (Form no. BA-49).

 You will also have to pay an additional transfer fee of $4.50 and a prorated registration fee at the time of registration.

Here’s what you need to know about the car title:

• It is a document issued by the vehicle dealer. It should be issued to the vehicle owner within ten days of the purchase of a vehicle, failing which can attract a penalty. 

• Sales tax on the vehicle’s actual price has to be deposited by the vehicle owner, after which the owner has to complete the sales tax section mentioned in the title. 

Condition-Specific Documents Required For Registering A Car In New Jersey

In addition to all the documents mentioned above, a few other documents are required, depending on the conditions under which the vehicle has to be registered. These documents are as follows:

1. NJ MVC Entity Identification Number (if the purchaser is a company/business entity)

• It is a 15-digit number required for businesses or companies, including corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability companies, or domestic or foreign profit organizations.
• To obtain an EIN, one has to fill out the EIN application form BA-8. After filling it out, the form has to be scanned and emailed to [email protected], along with additional documents like a certificate of formation and certificate of incorporation.
• For New Jersey lienholders, additional documents are banking commission documents (in the case of a bank) and charter papers (in the case of a credit union).
• Out-of-state applicants will also require documents like a color photocopy of their driver’s license, mailing address, and telephone number of the signing authority on behalf of the business.

2. Power of attorney (if someone else is signing the documents on behalf of the purchaser)
3. Lien holder information and financing statement (if the vehicle is leased or financed)
4. Application for certificate of ownership (if a vehicle is transferred from another state)
5. Previously issued registration document, notarized bill of sale, and photograph or pencil tracing of the VIN plate (in case of a non-titled old vehicle bought in an auction)
6. A purchase order (in case of a vehicle transferred from another state that issues titles)
7. Photograph or pencil tracing of the VIN plate, notarized statement from the seller including manufacturing date, VIN and selling price, and previous registration car (in case a vehicle is transferred from a state that doesn’t issue titles).

How To Register A New Car In New Jersey?

For registering a new or used car, the following are the steps one should take:

Step 1

• Locate the nearest motor vehicle agency authorized in New Jersey and visit in person, for NJ MVC doesn’t accept online or mailed applications for registration. Click here to find out all the motor vehicle agencies in New Jersey.
• Before visiting the motor vehicle agency for registration, schedule an appointment.
• Bring all the aforementioned documents during the registration process.

Step 2

• Depending on the weight and class of your vehicle, you have to calculate the tax and fees for title and registration. To find out the weight class of your vehicle, click here.
• The acceptable modes of payment to NJ MVC include credit cards, cheques, money orders, and cash.
• While the registration fee is paid for four years in case of a new car purchase, the registration fee is paid for the tenure of the lease in case the vehicle is a leased one.

Step 3

• Fill out the vehicle registration application form (Form no. BA-49) at the motor vehicle agency.
• The entry details have to be filled in using blue or black ink.
• A single mistake in the form can result in the cancellation of the registration form, so it is advisable to double-check the form before submission.

Step 4

• After your name is called at the agency, submit the application form, along with the said documents and fees.
• After submission of all the required things, the MVC official will process your application and assign you the registration document along with license plates.

Conditions To Transfer The Registration Of An Old Car In New Jersey

Like in many other states, New Jersey residents can retain the registration number from an old car to a new one, and for that, the following are the conditions involved:

• You can retain the registration number from an old vehicle to a new one if the new one belongs to the same weight class as the old vehicle.
• A copy of the old registration form is also required, along with all the common documents required for registering a car.
• Your existing address has to be verified, which is possible with any item or mail sent to your current address within the last 60 days.
• You will have to pay an additional transfer fee of $4.50 and a prorated registration fee at the time of registration.
• While you will be issued a new registration document, you have to use the old plates for your new car and not in any other vehicle.

Renewal Of The Registration Of An Existing Car In New Jersey

After buying a new vehicle in New Jersey, one has to re-register the newly purchased car once every four years. However, in the case of other vehicles, the process of re-registration has to be done annually.

NJ MVC will send you a renewal notice three months before your vehicle’s registration expires. It includes details like your name, address, vehicle information, a nine-digit PIN, date of expiry of registration, and amount required for renewal of registration, along with a payment stub and return envelope sent in the mail package. If there is any inaccuracy or mistake in this notice, you can call the NJ MVC customer helpline at 609-292-6500 on weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:15 pm for rectification.

For renewal in person

To renew your car registration in person you have to select an appointment at one of the NJ MVC centres. Payment modes in this option include debit or credit cards, cheques, money orders, and cash.

What You Need for In-Person Renewal:

• Registration Renewal Notice or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Valid insurance card (or company name and policy number)
• License plate number
• Proof of ID (NJ driver’s license or another 6 Points of ID document)
• Power of Attorney (if renewing for someone else)
• Cash, money order, checks payable to NJMVC, credit, or debit card for the renewal fee
• The application for vehicle registration form, BA-49 is normally filled when the process is completed.

For online renewal

In New Jersey, the renewal car registration NJ online is possible through the website NJ MVC and is quite swift. Your renewal becomes effective immediately upon completion.

What You Need to Start the Renewal Process:

• Your renew car registration NJ online form (sent by mail or available online)
• Valid insurance company ID, policy number, and and social security number.
• A valid credit card (payments are processed through Tyler Payment Services, which includes a service fee not shared with the State of New Jersey)

Note: The online renewal process is not possible after the expiry date of registration

For renewal through the mail

If you prefer to renew your car registration by mail, follow these steps to ensure a smooth process.

• Complete the payment stub received in the mail package.
• Send the payment stub and a cheque or money order in the return envelope.
• If the return envelope is lost or not received, you can send the payment stub and the cheque or money order to New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Revenue Processing Center, PO Box 009, Trenton, NJ 08646-0009.

Fees Required For Registering A Car In New Jersey

One has to pay different fees at various stages of the registration process, all of which are as follows:

Title fee

• A standard titling fee of $60
• $85 if the vehicle has one lien as a financer
• $110 if the vehicle has two liens as financers

Registration fee for vehicles with internal combustion engines

• Car/Van/SUV Under 3500 lbs, Code 7 – $186-$291 for a four-year term
• Car/Van/SUV Over 3500 lbs, Code 8 – $286-$391 for a four-year term
• Non-commercial pickup trucks – $300-$4,975
• For other specific categories, click here.

Registration fee for electric vehicles

• Car/Van/SUV Under 3500 lbs, Code 7 – $1,186-$1,291 for a four-year term
• Car/Van/SUV Over 3500 lbs, Code 8 – $1,286-$1,391 for a four-year term
• Non-commercial pickup trucks – $1,300-$5,975
• For other specific categories, click here.

Additional fee for electric vehicles

• New Jersey law introduced an additional annual charge for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) beginning on July 1, 2024 that customers must pay on top of their regular registration expense. 
  
• The annual ZEV NJ car registration fee is $250 starting July 1, 2024, and will increase by $10 per year for the next four years. This fee must be paid in full at the time of initial registration and at each renewal.
  

What To Do If You Lose Your Car Registration In New Jersey?

If your current registration is lost, you can reapply for the same by following the same process as the new vehicle registration mentioned above.

• In this case, the re-application can be done online or at your nearest motor vehicle agency.
• The charges for re-application are $5 for passenger/commercial vehicles, $5 for four-year accelerated registration, and $11 for accelerated registration for the first three years.
• In the case of a leased vehicle, you have to obtain a power of attorney form from your leasing company, which includes the name of the lessee, statement of authorization, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), along with other common documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Car in NJ

The process of registering a vehicle in NJ is quite exhaustive and everyone should pay much attention. Avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure a smooth registration process:

1. Not Obtaining the Title Properly

A missing or incorrect signature on the vehicle title can delay your registration. Be sure the title is signed by the seller, and check for any errors.

2. Skipping Insurance Verification

Complying with New Jersey laws demands motor vehicle registration requires car insurance first. Make sure you own enough insurance coverage to match state minimums and always bring all required documentation.

3. Ignoring Emissions Testing

Certain counties in New Jersey do have emissions testing, mostly for older vehicles. Failure to have this test performed may prevent your registration from being processed.

By avoiding all these errors, you ensure that registration does not drag and you create a favorable environment for the registration process.