New Jersey Car Registration
In New Jersey, car registration is required by law before any vehicle can be driven. There are different sets of rules for getting a new car registered or renewing an old registration.
New Jersey: New Car Registration
You need to have your car registered with the state if you have just bought it, you have moved to New Jersey from another state or if you have been gifted the car, such as in inheritance. If you have just bought the car, you need to have it registered within ten days of buying it. In case of moving to the state, make sure your vehicle is registered within 60 days.
In order to register your car, you will need the following:
- Car insurance
- Title certificate
- Social security number
- New Jersey driver license (or another ID if you do not have one yet)
- Current odometer reading
New Jersey: Car Registration Renewal
Every car’s registration has to be renewed annually in the state of New Jersey. The Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) of New Jersey sends a renewal notice near the time you registration is about to run out.
You may renew your registration online, by mail or in person. If you are renewing online, you will need a pin code. This is given in the renewal notice that MVC will send to you. All online transactions require you to pay a credit card convenience fee in order to successfully renew your license. The link for online car registration renewal is given on the state’s official website.
If you plan to renew your registration through mail, you may use the envelope provided with the renewal notice and mail a renewal application to the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission. If you feel that applying for car registration is easiest done in person, you will have to visit an MVC agency. You need to take your license plate number and insurance card with you when you go for a renewal.
When applying for car registration renewal, MVC agencies will accept payment through Visa® card, American Express® card, MasterCard® card, money orders, checks and cash. The last option, however, is only acceptable when renewing you are renewing your car registration in person at an MVC agency.
