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Registering a car in New Jersey is a relatively straightforward process, but there are a few things you need to know before you get started. This guide will walk you through the steps involved, including the required documents, fees, and processing times.
Required Documents
- Vehicle title
- New Jersey driver’s license or other valid form of identification
- New Jersey insurance card or company name and policy number
- Completed Vehicle Registration Application Form (Form BA-49)
If you are registering a new vehicle that you purchased from a New Jersey dealer, you will also need to bring the dealer reassignment documentation. If you are financing the vehicle, you will need to bring the lienholder information and financing statement.
If you are registering a used vehicle from a private seller, you will need to bring the signed and notarized bill of sale. If the vehicle is non-titled and was purchased at auction, you will need to bring a pencil tracing or photo of the VIN plate and the registration document lastly issued.
Fees
The registration fee for a passenger vehicle in New Jersey is based on the model year and shipping weight of the vehicle. You can use the NJ MVC’s fee calculator to determine the exact amount of your registration fee.
In addition to the registration fee, you will also need to pay a title fee, which is $60 or $85 if the vehicle has a lienholder.
Processing Locations and Times
You can register your car at any New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC) agency. You must make an appointment in advance, as walk-ins are not accepted.
The processing time for a car registration varies depending on the complexity of the transaction. If you have all of the required documents and have completed all of the necessary paperwork, you can expect your registration to be processed in a matter of minutes. However, if there are any problems with your documents or paperwork, the processing time may be longer.
Forms
- Vehicle Registration Application Form (Form BA-49)
- New Vehicle Title Application Form (Form OS/SS-14) (if registering a new vehicle)
- Universal Title Application Form (Form OS/SS-UTA) (if registering a used vehicle from a private seller)
URLs
- NJ MVC website: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/
- NJ MVC fee calculator: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/regfee/index.html
- NJ MVC vehicle registration forms: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/about/forms.htm
Conclusion
Registering a car in New Jersey is a relatively simple process, but it is important to make sure that you have all of the required documents and that you have completed all of the necessary paperwork before you visit an NJ MVC agency. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your car registration is processed quickly and efficiently.
