Motorcycle Registration in New Jersey

New Jersey residents must register their motorcycle with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) before operation on roadways is allowed. On this page, we'll teach you about registering your bike if you're new to NJ AND if you're a current resident who just bought a motorcycle.

Looking for information on registration renewals? Head over to our guide on renewing New Jersey registrations for more.

New to New Jersey

In New Jersey, you'll need to register your motorcycle within 60 days of establishing residency OR before your out-of-state registration expires—whichever is sooner.

If you lease your motorcycle, contact the leasing company to have them register your bike with the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission.

If you aren't leasing, register your motorcycle yourself by visiting your local New Jersey MVC office and providing the following:

  • Your motorcycle's out-of-state title.
    • If there's a lien on the title, the lienholder will need to complete an application to release the title (Form OS-SS-54). Contact your local MVC to request this form.
  • A completed Application for Vehicle Registration (Form BA-49).
    • This form is available upon request at your local MVC.
  • Proof of:
  • A current odometer reading for the motorcycle.
  • The completed sales tax stamp section on your Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA), if you qualify for NJ sales tax exemption. The MVC has qualification guidelines to read.
    • The titling application is available at your local MVC office.
  • The $65 base registration fee for motorcycles PLUS all other applicable fees and taxes.

Once your motorcycle is registered, it's up to you to inspect your bike; refer to the MVC's motorcycle self-inspection criteria when checking things over.

NJ Motorcycle Registration

The steps required for New Jersey motorcycle registration vary slightly depending on whether you purchased the motorcycle from a dealership OR from a private seller.

Before finalizing the sale on a motorcycle, make sure the make and model you're interested in is approved by the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission. If it's not, you may need to collect additional documentation.

Manufacturer Approval List

To register your bike, the manufacturer must be on the MVC approval list, which contains motorcycle makers who meet federal safety standards.

If the motorcycle is not on the approval list, the dealer (if applicable) where the motorcycle was purchased must contact the New Jersey MVC and request approval to license and register motorcycles within the state.

You may also be required to submit color pictures of the following items in addition to the documents required to register an MVC-approved motorcycle:

  • The NHTSA label.
  • The EPA Emissions label.
  • The EPA Exhaust Emissions label.
  • A side profile picture of the motorcycle.

Contact your local MVC office for more information about registering motorcycles not on the MVC approval list.

Dealer-Bought Motorcycles

When you purchase a new or used motorcycle at a dealership, the dealership agent will handle the registration process for you. Sales tax and the cost of titling and registration are generally included in the purchase price. To see a breakdown of those costs, head down to our section on motorcycle registration fees and taxes.

Before leaving the dealership, inquire if any additional steps are required on your end to complete the process. You should receive temporary motorcycle registration from the dealership until your permanent title and registration documents arrive in the mail.

Private Motorcycle Sales

After buying a used motorcycle from a private seller, you must complete the registration and titling process yourself within 10 business days of the sale date.

Hand over the following at your local MVC agency:

If you still need to title your motorcycle, check out our New Jersey title transfer guide.

Motorcycle Registration Fees & Taxes in NJ

You may be required to pay the following fees and taxes when you register your motorcycle with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission:

  • Motorcycle registration: $65.
    • Moped registration: $15.
    • Dirt bike registration : $34.
      • For more information on registering motorized bicycles, visit our Scooters & Mopeds section.
  • Registration transfer fee: $4.50.
  • Sales tax: 6.625% of the purchase price.

Forms

BA-49
Registration Application
Request a replacement NJ registration if yours has been lost. Form must be obtained from an MVC office. Not available online.
OS/SS-UTA
Universal Title Application
Apply for a certificate of ownership (title)and odometer reading through the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission.
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