New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles Information

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is the state agency responsible for vehicle registration, driver licensing, and overseeing motor vehicle safety across the state. Interacting with the MVC is an inevitable part of owning and driving a car in New Jersey. Here is an overview of some key MVC services, requirements, and issues that New Jersey drivers should know about.

Vehicle Registration

All vehicles driven on public roads in New Jersey must be registered with the MVC[1]. You must title and register any newly purchased vehicle within 10 days of purchase. For used cars, you’ll need to provide a completed title signed over by the previous owner. New cars can be registered with a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) from the dealer[2].

The MVC now offers online registration renewal[5]. You can renew your registration entirely online without having to visit an agency or mail anything in. After renewing online, you’ll receive registration documents via email that can be displayed digitally on your smartphone or printed out. Paper registration cards will also still be mailed to your address. Both digital and paper registrations are equally valid proof under New Jersey law.

Registration must be renewed annually. You’ll receive a renewal notice by mail about 1 month before your current registration expires. Renewal fees vary based on vehicle type but are typically $40-50 for passenger vehicles. Failing to renew registration on time will result in late fees. Driving with an expired registration can also lead to fines of $100-200[3].

Driver’s Licenses

To legally drive in New Jersey, you must have a valid New Jersey driver’s license[4]. The MVC issues licenses after applicants pass required tests. New Jersey issues basic driver’s licenses, commercial driver’s licenses (CDL), and motorcycle licenses.

Licenses must be renewed every 4 years. The renewal fee is $24. Drivers over 65 can renew licenses every 4 years indefinitely, while those under 65 must renew in person with new photos every other renewal.

New Jersey is fully compliant with the federal REAL ID Act. Standard licenses are now marked “Not for REAL ID purposes.” To fly domestically or access federal facilities, you need a REAL ID compliant license marked with a star. You can upgrade to a REAL ID license at any time for a $11 fee[5].

Suspended Licenses

The MVC can suspend your license administratively if you accumulate excessive points, fail to pay surcharges, or for other violations. Driving on a suspended license can lead to fines, jail time, and extension of the suspension.

To restore a suspended license, you must pay all fines and surcharges, provide proof of insurance, and sometimes pass written and road tests again. Restoration fees start at $100. Completing a defensive driving course can help reduce suspension periods.

Insurance and Liability

All vehicles registered in New Jersey must maintain minimum auto insurance coverage. The state requires liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP). PIP covers medical costs for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault.

If you are in an accident and don’t have the required insurance, you can face fines, license suspension, and liability for damages. The other driver’s insurance company may also sue you personally to recover their costs.

Maintaining continuous auto insurance coverage can help avoid higher rates. Gaps in coverage will put you in the “high risk” category for pricing. Comparing quotes regularly can help find the best rate.

Inspections

New Jersey requires all vehicles to pass annual safety and emissions inspections. Vehicles over 5 years old must undergo emissions testing, while newer vehicles just require a visual safety inspection.

Inspections must be done at licensed private inspection centers. The fee is typically $15-35. Vehicles that fail inspection have 60 days to complete repairs and pass re-inspection. Driving a vehicle without a current, valid inspection sticker can result in fines of $100-200.

Titling and Sales

New Jersey uses titles to establish legal ownership of a vehicle. The title must be transferred to the new owner during a private sale. The buyer should ensure the title is signed over properly before finalizing the purchase.

Dealers must provide buyers with a title application when selling a new or used vehicle. The dealer collects taxes and fees and submits the title application to the MVC on the buyer’s behalf. The title will be mailed to the owner a few weeks later.

Junking a Vehicle

If your vehicle is no longer operable, you can voluntarily surrender the title and registration to the MVC to have it declared as “junk.” This relieves you of insurance and inspection requirements. You must destroy the license plates and provide a statement that the vehicle will not be driven again.