Registration FAQs

What must I do to register my vehicle?

You may register your vehicle at any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Agency. When you do, bring your driver license, Social Security number, proof of ownership, odometer reading, proof of identification, and insurance policy number.

Registration fees vary by the type, year, and weight of the vehicle being registered. In addition, if you are registering a new vehicle, it might be subject to the Four-Year Accelerated Registration Program.

What can I do if I don't use the entire four-year registration on my vehicle?

Refunds will not be allowed for any unused portion of your four-year registration (for example, if you sell a vehicle after two years). However, you might be able transfer the license plates to a different vehicle and complete the four-year term of that registration. A $4.50 transfer fee, plus any prorated increase in the registration fee due to a change in weight class of the vehicle (such as moving from a sedan to an SUV), will be assessed.

What do I do if I renewed my registration by mail but never received it?

Call the MVC's customer service department at (609) 292-6500 or toll-free at (888) 486-3339. Have your license plate number ready for the customer service agent, who will check to see whether your registration was entered into the MVC's system.

If it has been less than 90 days since the date of entry, the MVC will send you a new registration at no extra cost. However, if your application isn't in the system, you will have to send a copy of the canceled check (front and back) to show that you have attempted to register by mail.

How do I obtain a duplicate registration?

You can do this at any MVC Agency. The fee for a duplicate registration is $5.

How do I obtain a duplicate title?

1. Go to any MVC Agency with proof of insurance or current registration.
2. Complete an application for duplicate certificate of ownership.
3. Submit a $25 payment for a duplicate title. The MVC will only take a check or money order.

If it's more convenient, you can mail the application to the following address:

• State of New Jersey

• Motor Vehicle Commission

• Special Services

• P.O. Box 017

• Trenton, NJ 08666-0017

How do I obtain a duplicate title for a financed vehicle (when there is a lien)?

You'll follow the same steps above, but you'll also need to include a statement from the lienholder that provides the following:

• The owner's name.

• A statement from the lienholder declaring that the original title is missing.

• A statement from the lienholder declaring that it has paid for the vehicle in full.

• Vehicle information, including the make, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN).

The MVC will mail the duplicate title to the lienholder directly.

Why don't I receive a registration renewal application in the mail for my leased vehicle from the MVC?

Renewal applications are mailed to the owner of the vehicle. In this case, the renewal application is mailed to the leasing company approximately 60 days before the current registration expires. Your leasing company should mail you the renewal application properly stamped and signed by an officer for the company.

How do I register my motorcycle?

Visit your local MVC Agency with the manufacturer's Certificate of Origin or a New Jersey or out-of-state title or registration. If the bike is not titled or registered, bring a notarized statement from the last owner to you, describing the vehicle and sale price. You must also provide proof of insurance and pay the required registration fee. For more information, read our article about how to register your motorcycle.

How do I register a motorboat?

To register any kind of motorized vessel, you must go to an MVC Agency with the required documents and fees. Our boat registration section has full details.

What can I use as proof of ownership when I register my boat if I don't have a title?

Vessels less than 12 feet long are not required to be titled in New Jersey. For registration purposes, proof of ownership may instead be:

• A notarized bill of sale.

• A notarized statement of receipt from the seller.

• An out-of-state certificate of ownership (title).

• An out-of-state registration certificate.

• A certificate-of-ownership affidavit sworn in front of a New Jersey notary public.

How do I get replacement license plates?

Go to any MVC Agency for a pair of standard-issue license plates. The documents required for replacement license plates are as follows:

• Current registration.

• Completed BA-49 form. This is only available at your local MVC Agency.

• A $6 payment for standard plates. The MVC charges $11 for nonpersonalized specialty plates.

Your replacement plates will have new numbers and letters. The MVC will also issue you a new registration certificate.

I'm doing my taxes and need as many deductions as possible. Any way to deduct my vehicle registration fees?

Possibly. According to the IRS's Publication 17 (see page 146), you can deduct the portion of the registration fee that is based on your car's value. The IRS counts this as personal property tax, even if it is called a registration fee or a usage fee. For instance, if your car is worth $2000 and your state charges you 1% of the car's value ($20) every year as part of your registration, you may deduct that amount. You may not deduct other registration fees.

If, however, your state does not charge for your registration based on value, you will not be able to deduct your vehicle registration fee, or any portion of it.

To find how much to deduct, look on your registration card or registration renewal form to see if this fee is listed, or contact your local MVC office.

If you have questions on how to take the deduction, contact the IRS or a tax professional.

Do I have to pay for registration of a nonoperable vehicle?

Depends. If you take your vehicle off the road and drop its insurance coverage, you are required by law to turn in your license plates. If, however, you elect to maintain insurance on the vehicle, you must also maintain the vehicle's registration, even if you place the vehicle in storage.