Your Guide to New Jersey Car Registration

If you moved to New Jersey from out-of-state, you’ll have to update your car registration (and get used to someone pumping gas for you, as self-service is illegal). The same is true if you purchase a new car, though in many cases the dealership can handle that part for you. But if you bought from a private party, you’ll need to update your records as well. Regardless of whether you’re new to the Garden State or just scored a new set of wheels, you’ll need to get started with New Jersey car registration. Here’s how to register a car in New Jersey.

How to Register a Car in New Jersey | Metromile

Why is New Jersey car registration required?

Each state law requires you to register your car in the state you live in with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or transportation authority. In fact, it’s illegal to drive without car registration or expired car registration. 

When you register your vehicle with the state, you’re creating proof of ownership for your vehicle in case you get pulled over and get the dreaded “license and registration, please” from an officer. 

When you register your car, you get a license plate and a sticker that is used to help identify your car and the registration illustrates that you’re the rightful owner of the car.

Who must get New Jersey car registration?

There are generally two scenarios where you must get a car registration: 

  1. You purchase a vehicle in New Jersey and are a resident. 
  2. You move to New Jersey and after becoming a resident need to update your records. 

Typically if you purchase a vehicle at a dealership, you don’t have to worry about that. But if you’re buying used through a third party, you may need to handle the process yourself. 

When you move to New Jersey, you have 60 days to update to New Jersey car registration (unless your current registration expires sooner in which case you should register before the expiration). However, during a Public Health Emergency (hello, COVID), you have 120 days.

What do I need to register my car in New Jersey?

Before getting started with a car registration, you might be curious and wonder “What do I need to register my car in New Jersey?”. What you need to register a car may vary depending on if you simply bought a car or if you’re moving from somewhere else. 

To get started you’ll need:

  • Your vehicle title
  • Your driver’s license and other forms of ID (New Jersey has 6 point ID system
  • New Jersey proof of insurance (either with your insurance card or through the insurer name and policy number) 

If you’ve leased your vehicle or someone else is signing documents you’ll need:

  • Power of attorney if someone is signing documents on your behalf 
  • Dealer reassignment documentation, if required
  • Finance statement and lien holder information 

If you moved to New Jersey and need to update your car registration, you’ll need:

  • 6 points of ID 
  • A transfer permit (which needs to be purchased for $10)
  • To give up your old out-of-state driver’s license to get a New Jersey one

How to register a car in New Jersey?

How to register a car in the Garden State will be a bit different depending on if you bought a vehicle or if you’re a new resident of the state. 

If you just bought a car:

1. Make an appointment with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC).

2. Bring all the documents listed above. 

3. Fill out Form BA-49, which is the Vehicle Registration Application.

4. Pay title, registration, and sales tax fees. Registration fees and sales tax may vary, title fees can range between $60 to $110. 

If you just moved to the state:

1. Make an appointment with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC).

2. Buy a transfer permit for $10.

3. Bring all the documents listed above. 

4. Fill out Form BA-49, which is the Vehicle Registration Application and Form OS/SS-UTA which is the Universal Title Application

5. Pay title and registration fees. 

You’ll have 60 days from the time of your move to update your car registration, though that timeframe has doubled to 120 days due to the pandemic. Note, you’ll have less time if your current registration is expiring sooner.

How much does car registration cost in New Jersey?

Registration costs in New Jersey depend on the weight and model of your vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of costs according to the NJ MVC website

  • The rate is $35.50 for a vehicle that is under 2,700 pounds and is from 1970 or older.
  • The rate is $44.50 for a vehicle that is between 2,700 and 3,800 pounds and is from 1970 or older. 
  • The rate is $65.50 for a vehicle that is over 3,800 pounds and is from 1970 or older. 
  • The rate is $38.50 for a vehicle that is under 2,700 pounds and is from 1971-1979.
  • The rate is $49.50 for a vehicle that is between 2,700 and 3,800 pounds and is from 1971-1979. 
  • The rate is $72.50 for a vehicle that is over 3,800 pounds and is from 1971-1979. 
  • The rate is $46.50 for a vehicle that is under 3,500 pounds and is older than two years. 
  • The rate is $59 for a vehicle that is under 3,500 pounds and is within two years old. 
  • The rate is $71.50 for a vehicle that is over 3,500 pounds and is older than two years old. 
  • The rate is $84 for a vehicle that is over 3,500 pounds and is within two years old. 
  • The rate is $71.50 for a vehicle that is a commuter van and is older than two years old. 
  • The rate is $84 for a vehicle that is a commuter van and is within two years old.

Is proof of insurance required to register a car in New Jersey?

In order to register a car in New Jersey, you need to have proof of insurance. You’ll need to bring your New Jersey car insurance when registering your car. 

According to the NJ MVC website, all vehicles registered in New Jersey must have three different types of insurance coverage including:

If you’re looking at your car insurance options, take a look to see if pay-per-mile insurance could be beneficial. Using pay-per-mile insurance, you pay a small base rate each month and pay several cents for each mile you drive. If you’re a low-mileage driver, this can be the way to go to lower your car insurance costs.

The bottom line

If you’ve recently moved to New Jersey or purchased a vehicle there as a resident, it’s time to update your records and get your New Jersey car registration. You want to avoid a lapsed registration and any trouble. While you’re updating your records, you can also check out other car insurance options like Metromile, which was created with the driver in mind. Get a free quote to see your potential savings. 



Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.