Applying for Special Plates in New Jersey

SUMMARY: Apply for a Specialty New Jersey License Plate

In New Jersey, you can apply for a variety of specialty plates in person or by mail. Some options, such as personalized plates, are available to order online. Specialty plates may be renewed with your registration and replaced for a small fee if they get damaged, lost, or stolen. If you sell your car, you may transfer your plates to another vehicle you own.

New Jersey offers a large variety of specialty plates for order. These include personalized, dedicated, organizational, and disability plates. Continue reading to learn how to apply for and renew these plates.

Applying for Specialty Plates in New Jersey

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) provides various types of specialty license plates for purchase.

The application process will vary by type of plate. Continue reading below to discover how to apply for your plate.

Personalized Plates

You can personalize a NJ standard or specialty plate:

  • Online.
  • In person.
  • By mail.

Online

For your convenience, the NJ MVC allows you to order personalized plates online. To order online:

  • You must have a MyMVC account number.
  • Your vehicle must not have a lease on your vehicle.

To apply:

In Person or By Mail

  • Completing a Personalized License Plate Application (Form SP-1).
    • You can also find this form at your local MVC office or via phone:
      • Within NJ: (609) 292-6500.
      • Out of state: (609) 292-6500.
  • Take or mail your application to the address on the form.
  • Provide payment for the applicable fee.
    • If applying by mail, send check or money order payable to “New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission."

Dedicated and Sports Plates

Dedicated plates (or special interest plates) and sports plates are available for order:

Dedicated plates may be personalized for an additional fee. See above for information on ordering personalized plates.

Organizational and Military Plates

Those who serve as members of non-profit service, alumni, or community organizations in the state, and those who serve in or are veterans of the U.S. military, are eligible to apply for the following plate types:

  • Service organization plates (including military plates).
  • Alumni organization plates.
  • Community organization plates.

To apply for one of these plates:

  • Contact your organization's coordinator for approval.
    • You can call the MVC at (609) 292-6500 ext. 5061 for contact information.
  • After obtaining approval, order your plates from:
    NJ Motor Vehicle Commission
    Special Plate Unit
    P.O. Box 015
    225 East State Street
    Trenton, NJ 08666
  • Pay the applicable fee.
    • Fees vary by plate type.

NOTE: Certain plates may qualify for personalization. Your organization's coordinator must provide approval.

Renewing NJ Specialty Plates

You will renew your specialty plates annually when you renew your vehicle registration.

Certain plates may require a plate renewal fee in addition to the standard registration fees.

To learn more, visit our page on renewing your registration in New Jersey.

Replacing NJ Specialty Plates

In the event your NJ specialty plate gets damaged, you can get replacement or duplicate plates for an $11 fee. It will take up to 12 weeks to receive your replacement license plate.

If your plates were stolen, the MVC advises filing a police report to the municipality in which the theft occurred. (Make sure to get your own copy for your records.)

For detailed information on applying for replacement and duplicate plates, visit our NJ License Plates and Placards page.

Transferring Specialty Plates in NJ

You have the option to transfer your plate to another vehicle you own. In order to do so, both registrations must have the same name and registration code.

When you sell your vehicle, you MUST either:

  • Transfer your plates to another vehicle you own.
    OR
  • Surrender the plates to the MVC.

To surrender plates:

  • Take them to an MVC Agency or Regional Service Center.
    OR
  • Mail the plates, along with a self-addressed and stamped envelope, to:
    Motor Vehicle Commission
    P.O. Box 129
    Trenton, NJ 08666

NOTE: When you surrender your plates, you'll get a receipt that will prove you surrendered them, in case anyone acquires charges on them.

Fees for NJ Specialty Plates

Fees for specialty and personalized plates will typically apply as follows:

  • Personalized plates: $50.
    • If personalizing a special plate, the special plate fee will also apply.
  • Dedicated plates:
    • Application: $50.
    • Renewal: $10 ($15 for USS New Jersey Battleship Plate).
  • Organizational plates: Fees vary by plate.

Forms

SP-1
Personalized License Plate Application
Use this form to order personalized (vanity) NJ license plates from the Motor Vehicle Commission.
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