License Plate FAQs

Why was I given two tags when I registered my car?

New Jersey requires a tag on the front of your vehicle and on the rear.

One of my tags was stolen, but not the other. What should I do?

First, you'll need to report the theft to your local law enforcement. They'll issue a report. Take it with you to your local Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Agency along with the one remaining tag and they'll issue a new set. You'll need to show your current registration papers and proper ID. The cost is $6 to replace a standard set; $11 to replace specialty tags.

I backed into a power pole and dinged my tag. Do I need a replacement?

Yes, visit your local MVC Agency to get a replacement set. You'll need to surrender both of your current tags. The cost is $6 to replace a standard set; $11 to replace specialty tags.

You can also surrender your tags by mail. Just send them to:

• Motor Vehicle Commission

• Customer Advocacy Office

• P.O. Box 403

• Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0403

I'm selling my car. Can I keep the tags for my new car?

Yes. The tags can be transferred as long as the ownership remains the same. Just visit your local MVC Agency to make the transfer.

When do I need to surrender my plates?

New Jersey wants the plates back on any inactive vehicle. If you sell your car and don't transfer the tags, surrender them at your nearest MVC agency. Same goes for donating a vehicle to charity.

You also need to surrender your tags if you move out of state, or if you take your vehicle off the road for an extended period of time.

I just bought a special car and I'd like to have a special tag for it. How do I get one?

Congratulations! New Jersey offers a wide variety of specialty and organizational plates, or personalized plates. Visit DMV.ORG's license plate page for the process and all the details.

I keep seeing all these new tags without stickers on them, but I still have mine. Can I take them off?

Yes, the state is no longer issuing tags or decals for license plates, so you can remove yours.

My old junker finally died and was sent to the junkyard. What should I do with the tags?

If you don't plan to get another vehicle and transfer the tags, you'll need to surrender them at your local MVC Agency for cancellation.

Does New Jersey offer antique license plates for historic vehicles?

Yes. To qualify, your vehicle must be at least 25 years old and only used for exhibition and educational purposes. Cost: $44.

When applying, you must provide two color photographs of your vehicle, one of the front and one of either side.

Call (888) 486-3339 to request an application.