New JerseyCAR REGISTRATION

Easy Guide

5th Edition

Licensed by: Car-Registration.org

Bonus Features

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Table of contents

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Vehicle Registration

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Getting a vehicle is always an exciting adventure. It doesn’t matter if it is your first car or if you have already purchased many vehicles in the past, making the decision to obtain a car is a big step and it must be taken carefully to avoid any inconveniences.

Whenever you purchase a car, whether it is new or used, it must be registered to be legally driven in your state of residence. Also, when you change your residential address to another state, you will have to follow the procedure to transfer your registration.

The entire process looks very complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Our Easy Guide will provide you step-by-step information on how you can register your vehicle. Learn how you can also transfer your out-of-state registration and renew proper credentials at the appropriate time. Additionally, we will make sure you have all the necessary documents and forms on your person, so you do not experience any delay to your car registration process. Sit back and relax while we guide you towards getting your vehicle registration in no time.

Registration insurance requirements

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Before you start the whole registration process, you should know that every car in New Jersey is required to have liability insurance in order to be legally driven on any NJ road or highway. This is vital since you must carry proof of it all the time and you may be requested to show it by a law enforcer or if you have a traffic accident, and you will definitely need it in order to register your car or renew your registration.

Why do you need insurance? The MVC needs to ensure that you are protected in case you are part of an accident that may cause you injuries, damages or death.

TipCheck the Department of Banking and Insurance web site for information about the different insurance coverages.

There are three types of coverage required in New Jersey:

• Liability insurance: It covers others for damages caused by you in case you are responsible for an accident. It does not cover medical expenses.

• Personal injury protection (PIP): It covers medical expenses if you or others in case you or any other covered by your policy result injured in a car accident. It is commonly known as no Fault coverage, because it covers your medical expenses if you were or were not at fault.

• Uninsured motorist coverage: It protects you in case you have an accident with someone who is not properly covered by insurance.

Having insurance is required for you to register your car and it is as important as maintaining it current. You will face consequences if you are caught driving without it, so, do not risk yourself!

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Registering your vehicle in New Jersey

Congratulations! If you are reading this is because you are just about to use that car for the first time and you are only one step closer to being able to freely drive it in any NJ street. no matter if your car is new, used or if you are out of state or on active duty, here you will find all the information you need to register you vehicle. Simply gather some documents, stick to the following steps according to your specific situation and you will have your registration in no time!

Important dates or timeframesYou have 10 days to register a new vehicle after you buy it.

REGISTER A NEW VEHICLE Usually, if you bought your new car at a dealership, you will not have to worry about titling and registering since the dealership must take care of all the process; therefore, they will submit most of the required documentation.

You also have the option to transfer your registration from a previous vehicle you owned to your new vehicle and still use the same license plates.

TipA vehicle is considered new in New Jersey if it has never been titled before except for the dealer.

REGISTER A USED VEHICLEIf you bought your car from a private party or from an individual, you will have to register it yourself within 10 days, or else, you will pay a late fee. If your car is used but has never been registered in NJ, you will need to:

Documents Visit your closest MVC office and provide:

• Your vehicle title with the back part completed by the seller, your signature and your driver license number.

• Proof of insurance.

• Proof of your Social Security number.

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• Your New Jersey driver’s license number or proof of identification.

• Your vehicle’s odometer reading.

• Complete an Application for Registration.

• Pay for the sales tax and the title fee.

• Payment for the New Jersey vehicle registration fees.

REGISTER AN OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLEIf you bought a new vehicle in a different state or a used vehicle that was previously registered in another state or country, you will need to register with the NJ MVC. Just follow the steps below.

Important dates or timeframesYou must register the vehicle within 60 days or your move or before your out-of-state registration expires.

Visit your closest MVC office and:

• If you have a lien on the title, provide an application (ISM/SS-54) to the lien holder to release the title.

• If you leased the vehicle, contact the leasing company so they title and register the car in NJ.

• Provide the name of your New Jersey insurance company and the policy number.

• Provide proof of Social Security.

• Provide your vehicle’s odometer reading.

• Provide your current NJ driver license number proof of identification.

• Complete an application for registration (Form BA-49).

• Pay the fees.

REGISTRATION FOR MILITARY MEMBERSRegistering a car in New Jersey will be a little different if you are a military member. The requirements will vary depending on whether you are a NJ resident or not. Let’s review them below.

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New Jersey Military If you are a NJ resident and a military active member, you will get an automatic extension for your registration as long as you are actively serving. Make sure to always carry your extension letter and your active duty military credentials in case you are asked for them.

If you want to register a car for the first time, just follow the process described in the sections above for new, used or out-of-state vehicle.

New Jersey Military Out of StateIf you are a New Jersey resident, member of the military and stationed outside, you may apply for a registration refund for the remainder of the registration period. You only need to:

• Write a letter that explains why you are requesting a refund.

• Attach proof of service.

• Complete a refund form (RU-9).

• Include the original registration and your New Jersey license plates.

• Include a copy of your military orders.

• Include a copy of your out-of-state registration.

• Submit the documents and form to: NJ MVC/Refund Unit 225 E. State Street P.O. Box 403 Trenton, NJ 08666-0403

Non-Residents Military in New JerseyIf you are out-of-state military personnel stationed in New Jersey, you are not required to register your car in NJ. You may drive with your out-of-state plates as long as you keep current and valid registration and insurance.

FeesSince the registration fees will vary depending on your vehicle’s weight and model, we recommend you to verify them in the fee schedule. New vehicles must pay a full payment for a four-year registration; therefore, verify how much you must pay using the Four-year Registration Fee Calculator.

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Renewing your vehicle registration

Is it time to renew your vehicle registration? As it happens with many things in life, such as your driver license and even food products, your vehicle registration might be at risk of expiring which will mean that your vehicle will be deemed invalid to drive legally. Of course, this can be avoided by simply making sure you renew your vehicle’s registration before the expiration date is due. Luckily, we have created a walkthrough for you to follow and have your registration renewed in no time. Just follow the below steps according to your preferred renewing method and the process will be a piece of cake.

Before you registration expires, the MVC will mail you a renewal notice. This notice contains a description of the various fees included in your vehicle registration payment, which documents you will need to submit and a PIN in case you are eligible to renew online.

TipIn case you don’t receive the notice, contact the MVC. If you change your address, make sure you notify the MVC; otherwise, the notice will be sent to your old address.

RENEWING ONLINE Thanks to technology, maintaining your important vehicle-related documents and procedures updated is simpler than ever before. Internet allows you to do everything without the need of leaving your house!

You may renew your registration online as long as you have received the renewal notice with a PIN and you have any of the vehicles below:

• Passenger vehicles

• Pleasure boats

• Trailers under 55,000 lbs.

• Motorcycles

Renewing online is really easy if you just follow these steps:

• Visit the Registration Renewal online application.

• Enter your vehicle information.

• Enter your PIN.

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• Enter your personal information..

• Enter your updated address (if required), insurance information, Social Security number, and the number of family duplicates you want.

• You will have the option to choose special interest plates.

• Pay the fees.

Once you finish renewing, you may enter your feedback or comments. You will receive your registration documents within seven to 14 days.

TipIf after two weeks, you haven’t received your registration documents, call the MVC at 609-292-6500.

RENEWING BY MAIL In case you are out of state and you cannot renew online, or if you prefer not to renew online or in person, the MVC allows you to renew by mail. Doing so is very simple if you stick to the below process:

• Complete your registration renewal.

• Attach proof of your NJ insurance.

• Make a check or money order payable to the NJMVC with the required fee amount.

• Send the documents and fee to: NJ Motor Vehicle CommissionRevenue Processing CenterP.O. Box 009Trenton, NJ 08646-0009

TipSince these method takes longer to be processed, avoid to use it if you registration is very close to expiring.

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RENEWING IN PERSON Sometimes, you will not be eligible to renew online or by mail, or if the registration is about to expire, there is always the option to renew in person. to do so, just follow these simple steps:

• Visit your closest MVC office.

• Present your insurance card and your license plate number.

• Pay the fees.

FeesSince the registration fees will vary depending on your vehicle’s weight and model, we recommend you to verify them in the fee schedule. You will also have a detailed summary on your renewal notice.

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Replacing your vehicle registration

Something’s happened to your registration card! What can you do now? no worries! You can always ask the MVC to give you a replacement as soon as possible. Remember that driving without your plates, registration sticker or card is a huge risk for you may be pulled over and receive a traffic ticket. Also, take into account that if your registration card is damaged and cannot be read, you must also request a replacement. Just stick to the process you will find below.

REPLACING REGISTRATION Replacing a registration online is a really simple process if you follow these steps:

• Visit your closest MVC office.

• Present proof of identification and age (driver license, ID).

• Present a NJ insurance card or the receipt from your previous registration or title transaction.

• Complete the replacement application Form BA-49 which you will find in the MVC office. All owners must sign this form.

• Pay the replacement fees.

REPLACING A LEASED VEHICLE REGISTRATION In case your vehicle is leased, you will need to follow a different process. You will first have to request a power of attorney from your leasing company which includes:

o Your name

o A statement that authorizes you to sign the application.

o The VIN, year, make and model of the vehicle.

Once you have the letter visit a MVC office and:

• Present proof of identification and age (driver license, ID).

• Present a NJ insurance card or the receipt from your previous registration or title transaction.

• Present the original copy of the letter.

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• Complete the replacement application Form BA-49 which you will find at the MVC office.

• Pay the replacement fees.

Fees Duplicate passenger or commercial registration for one year $5

Duplicate accelerated registration last year $5

Duplicate accelerated registration during the first three years $11

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Updating your vehicle registration

Have you gone through big changes in your life that lead you to change your name or move neighborhoods? Either way, it is essential to keep this information updated in all your MVC documents, which include your registration card. In case you have never updated your registration card information and you are looking for guidance on how to do it, you have come to the right place. The only thing you will have to do is inform the MVC of these changes and ask them to update your information. to better understand the process and steps you have to take you must follow the steps that best fit your situation below.

CHANGING YOUR NAMEHave you gone through a divorce, marriage or just changed your name for any other reason? If so, your name has officially changed and, as a result, you will be required to change your name on all of your identification documents and cards, including your registration card. Changing the name on your registration card can be done either by mail or in person and regardless of which method you choose. Doing this is very simple; just follow the steps below:

• Compose a request asking for the correction. It must include the reason for the correction, your address, the year, make and VIN of the car (only if you request it by mail).

• Include your original registration card.

• Include a copy of the document that authorized your name change such as:

o Divorce decree

o Marriage certificate

o Court order

• Pay the fee.

Visit your closest MVC office if you want to do it in person or mail the fee and the documents to:

Motor Vehicle CommissionData Base Corrections UnitP.O. Box 141225 East State StreetTrenton, NJ 08666

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CHANGING YOUR ADDRESSIn the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you update the address on your registration card. All you must do is stick to the process and once you have completed every step properly, your registration card will be updated. Now, you may choose between changing your address online, in person or by phone. Let’s review the processes below:

Important dates or timeframesYou must notify the MVC within 15 days of your address change

Online

Changing your address online is the simplest and fastest process, plus, you don’t even have to leave your house to do it! to be able to change your address online just:

• go to the online change of address application.

• Enter your zip code.

• Enter your driver license or ID number.

• Enter your Social Security number.

• Enter your new address information.

• Confirm your new address.

In Person

To change your address in person, simply visit your closest MVC office and ask them to update your address.

By PhoneTo change our address by phone, call the MVC at: 609-292-6500609-292-5120 TTY

FeesThere is no cost to change your name or your address on your registration card. However, if you want a replacement, you will have to pay the replacement fee.

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License plates

Once you register your car in New Jersey, there is a main requirement for you to prove that your registration is current and valid: displaying your license plates with their current stickers. License plates are as important as your driver’s license since they identify your car from other cars. License plates and registration stickers are also issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) of New Jersey when you register your car for the first time or renew your registration.

NJ license plates are white with blue letters and all passenger vehicles must carry one on the front and one on the back of the car. The plates identify what type of registration you have and in case something happens to you or your car, they work as means of locating it or you through the MVC. Your license plates may be replaced in case something happens to them, you may also get special interest plates and in case you are leaving the state, you may also need to surrender them.

REPLACING YOUR LICENSE PLATESIn the event that something happens to your license plates, you may rest assured that the MVC will provide you with all the means to replace it as soon as possible and be back on the road. You may request a replacement either online or in person; nevertheless, the process is the same. Just follow the below steps:

• Visit your closest MVC office.

• Present your current registration certificate.

• Surrender your old plates (if available).

• Present your driver’s license or ID.

• Pay the replacement fee.

In case your license plates are stolen or lost, you must:

• Make an official police report to the municipality where the plates were stolen. You will need the copy of the report.

• Visit any MVC office.

• Present your current registration certificate.

• Present your driver’s license or ID.

• Pay the duplicate fee.

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GETTING CUSTOM PLATESIn New Jersey, you will find a wide variety of custom license plates that will adapt to everybody’s needs. Personalized plates contain a combination of up to seven letters and numbers. so far, New Jersey offers six different special plates. The available plates are:

• Standard Issue

• Wheelchair Symbol Plates and Placards

• Personalized Plates

• Specialty Plates

• Sports Plates

• Dedicated Plates

o Organizations

o Volunteer Workers

o Professions

o Special Vehicles

o Military Personnel These above are special interest license plates which are designed to reflect your interests and personality. If you are interested in one of them, just click on the type of plate you want and you will find all the process to order. However, if what you are looking forward is to customizing the numbers on your plate, all you need to do is:

• Complete an Application for personalized plates.

• Visit your closest MVC office call 609-292-6500.

Tip You may also order them online if you have a MyMVC account number.

SURRENDERING NEW JERSEY LICENSE PLATESWhenever you have New Jersey plates that are not in use, you must surrender them to the MVC. One example is when something happens to your plates and you need to replace them due to damage or because one of them got lost or stolen. Also, you will need to surrender your license plate if you decide to apply for a special license plate and exchange your standard plate. Another scenario is when you move to another

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state. Finally, if you no longer need the plates; you will also need to surrender them to the MVC. But, no worries, the process is really straightforward and we will guide you through it.

You may choose to surrender your plates in person by visiting your closest MVC office or Regional Service Center. If you prefer, you may surrender them by sending them together with a self-addressed, stamped envelope for receipt over the mail to:

Motor Vehicle CommissionP.O. Box 129Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0129

FeesReplacement standard plate $6

Replacement special interest plate $11

The special license fees and replacement costs will vary depending on the type of plate you have. On the link for each type of license plate, you will find the corresponding fees.

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Vehicle Safety Tips

The most important thing before you begin driving any vehicle is that both you and the vehicle are well prepared for any trip you make. This means checking and making any changes to your vehicle or your behavior to make sure that you are able to drive safely at all times.

EMERGENCY KITOne of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include basic items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid kit, matches, a whistle, etc. During winter months it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel.

WINTER DRIVINGOne of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows. Therefore, it is best to consider these tips to drive safely during the winter.

• Don’t Rush! • Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows, so instead

of driving fast and risking an accident in your rush to get to your destination try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and help to avoid rushing other drivers by not tailgating them if they are going slower.

• Don’t Panic If You Skid or Slip • In the case that your vehicle does ski or slip while driving make sure

you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead all you need to do is apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

• Check Your Vehicle • Before you even leave your house make sure your vehicle’s controls,

brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, exhaust, etc. are all working properly. It is also important that you remove all ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive.

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DRINKING AND DRIVINGEvery year thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. This is something that is very easily prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking these steps.

Even before you begin drinking you should arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. In the case that they also become intoxicated, it is important that you arrange to take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away their keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk, and they signs of intoxication while driving such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, braking erratically, turning abruptly, etc. call 911 and contact authorities immediately. also make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety.

USING YOUR PHONEDriving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous things you can do because during those few seconds your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. So, make sure you don’t text, use of the internet on your phone, or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible.

THINGS TO AVOIDDriving isn’t always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while on the road driving. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them, as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring.

Car Accidents The best way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. to do this you only need to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic and will not fail while you drive, especially at high speeds.

Wasting Gas As the price of gas goes up you may begin to start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Well, saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring that you waste less gas.

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Some of the ways you can start saving gas are: not using air conditioning, not leaving your engine running, or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste.

Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly, you can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well tuned, and check that your octane level is the correct amount to your vehicle’s needs.

Aggressive DrivingAggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent any on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physically harassing another driver, preventing another driver from merging or passing.

However, if you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. If you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive you should instead take for a moment, breathe, and continue moving.

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MVC Hours and Locations

There are MVC facilities located across the state. You may use the online locator tool to find an agency in a nearby location. You can also visit the official MVC website where you will be able to get lots of information about the registration process, and you can also use the following online services:

• Change Your Address

• Renew your registration

If you wish to contact the MVC by e-mail, complete an online contact form here.

You can also send your inquiries by regular mail to:NJ Motor Vehicle Commission225 East State StreetP.O. Box 016 Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0016

For general inquiries you can call 609-292-6500, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.

DON’T WASTE TIME AND MONEY DRIVING TO THE LICENSING OFFICE.