State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission - Driver Manual

* Current registration certificate or insurance identification card for the vehicle

* Lien release from the lien holder if the vehicle was financed

If the title is damaged, defaced or illegible, a replacement title can be issued at any MVC agency or by mail for a $20 fee (N.J.S.A. 39:10-16).

The titled owner (person whose name appears on the front of the title) will need:

* Damaged title

* Completed Application for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership (ISM/SS-52). This form can be obtained at any MVC agency, online [98k pdf] at www.njmvc.gov or by calling (888) 486-3339 (toll-free in New Jersey) or (609) 292-6500 (out of state) (ISM/SS-52).

If someone other than the titled owner is applying for a replacement or duplicate title, please contact the MVC online at www.njmvc.gov or call (888) 486-3339 (toll-free in New Jersey) or (609) 292-6500 (out of state) for additional requirements.

How to Complete an Initial Registration

* Complete a New Jersey Vehicle Registration application (BA-49) at any MVC agency (Please note this form is not available online). Provide the name of the vehicle’s current insurance company name and the policy number on the application.

* Show proof of vehicle ownership. For a new vehicle, a manufacturer’s certificate of origin and a dealer’s certificate of sale are proof. For a previously owned vehicle, a title signed by the previous owner is proof. For a leased vehicle, get a power of attorney from the leasing company. For out-of-state vehicles that are leased or financed, secure the original title from the lien holder or leasing company. Visit our website or call (888) 486-3339 (toll-free in New Jersey) or (609) 292-6500 (out of state) for more information.

* Show proof that the required sales tax has been paid, or pay the tax at the agency.

Note: In New Jersey, a motorist must be at least 17 years old to register a vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:10-11.1).

Registration Renewal

The MVC mails renewal notices at least 60 days before the annual registration expires. If a renewal form is not received by mail, the renewal may be completed in person at any MVC agency, or contact the MVC to have an application mailed. It is the motorist’s responsibility to keep his/her vehicle registration current. There is a fine for driving without a current registration document.

Registration renewals may be conducted quickly and easily by phone or on the Web, 24 hours a day. Both are free services. A personal address change can be made online while renewing.

* Call toll-free (877) 368-6548.

* Renew your registration online.

For both, a preprinted registration renewal with PIN, valid insurance ID card and credit card are necessary. The PIN is a security feature. If the pre-printed form is lost, a motorist will not be able to renew online or by phone.

If renewing by mail, fill out the renewal form and mail to the MVC with a check or money order. Please allow enough time for processing before the registration expires.

Note: The MVC no longer issues license plate registration decals to passenger vehicles or non-commercial light-truck owners.

Title and Registration Corrections

Title and registration corrections may be made at any MVC agency or regional service center. Please call (888) 486-3339 (toll-free in New Jersey) or (609) 292-6500 (out of state) for specific instructions.

Motorists will receive two matching license plates upon registering a vehicle. One plate is provided when registering a trailer, moped or motorcycle. For passenger vehicles, one plate should be attached to the front of the vehicle and the other to the rear at least 12 inches but less than 48 inches above the ground. Both plates must be clean and visible. The rear plate must be lighted so it is visible from 50 feet at night, even with reflectorized plates (N.J.S.A. 39:3-48b). Using license plate covers or holders that obscure or conceal any lettering on the license plate is a violation, with a fine of up to $100.

License Plate Facts

* Report lost or stolen plates to local police. Retain a copy of the complaint.

* Replace lost or damaged plates within 24 hours at any MVC agency, and turn in the old plates at any MVC agency or mail them to the MVC, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08666-0403.

* Transfer the plates to your new vehicle. Most plates are transferable. Visit our website or call (888) 486-3339 (toll-free in New Jersey) or (609) 292-6500 (out of state) for details.

* If a motorist sells his/her vehicle and does not transfer the plates to another vehicle, he/she should turn in the old plates at any MVC agency or mail them to the MVC, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08666-0403. A receipt will be provided. It should be kept in a safe place.

* Obtain information about personalized plates from any MVC agency at our website or call (888) 486-3339 (toll-free in New Jersey) or (609) 292-6500 (out of state).

* A motorist may place only valid plates on his/her vehicle. Forged or counterfeit license plates on any motor vehicle may result in a fine of up to $500, up to 60 days imprisonment or a license suspension of up to six months, or both (N.J.S.A. 39:3-33, 39:3-38).

* If a motorist terminates vehicle insurance, the plates must be returned to the MVC (N.J.A.C. 13:21-5.10b).

Handicapped license plates and a rearview mirror placard are available to disabled persons at no charge to allow them to park in specifically designed spaces.

* A motorist may obtain an application online or request one by calling (888) 486-3339 (toll-free in NJ) or (609) 292-6500 (out of state). Applications may also be obtained at any MVC agency. Along with the application a motorist will receive instructions, FAQs and a checklist to assist in completing the application.

* Qualified individuals will complete Part 1 of the application; their physicians will complete Part 2, which establishes and certifies eligibility under the provisions of the law. The completed application is then mailed to the MVC for processing.

* Qualified individuals may receive one set of plates and one placard (N.J.A.C. 13:20-9.4).

To obtain a temporary placard:

* A motorist must go to the chief of police in the municipality where he/she resides to get an application.

* The motorist must have his/her doctor certify the need for the placard.

* The motorist must return the completed application to the police department with a $4 fee, payable to Motor Vehicle Commission.

* Upon payment, the police department will issue a temporary placard.

* Temporary placards are good for six (6) months and may be renewed, if needed, for an additional six (6) months.

When the vehicle is parked, the handicapped placard must be displayed on the vehicle’s rearview mirror. It must be removed prior to driving.

License plates and placards for eligible persons are issued with an Identification Card and are to be used exclusively for and by the person named on the Identification Card. The card is non-transferable and will be forfeited if used by another person. Abuse of this privilege is cause for revocation of both the license plates/placard and card (N.J.S.A. 39:4-205).

Upon the death of the eligible person, the handicapped plates/placard and Identification Card must be returned to the MVC. They may be surrendered at any MVC Agency or mailed to the MVC Office of Customer Advocacy, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08666-0403, with a letter of explanation.

Plates must be renewed every year, and placards must be renewed every three years. Upon receipt of an application for renewal, the MVC may require the applicant to submit a statement from a physician recertifying his/her qualification as provided under N.J.A.C. 13:20-9.1a4.