Renewing your New Jersey car registration online or by mail
New Jersey sends you a renewal notice 45 days before your registration expires. You can renew online through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) website, by mail using the notice they sent, or in person at an MVC office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new registration arrives by mail within two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks — but works if you prefer not to use the website.
You do not need an inspection sticker to renew your registration in New Jersey, though your vehicle must pass inspection within the past year if you are renewing for the first time or if your inspection has expired. If your inspection is current, you can renew without visiting a service station.
The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. A standard passenger car typically costs between $135 and $180 for a two-year registration. Motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and other types have different fees. You can find the exact amount on your renewal notice or on the MVC website before you start.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey sends renewal notices 45 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office.
- Online renewal is fastest and takes about 10 minutes, with your new registration arriving by mail within two weeks.
- Your vehicle must have a current inspection (within the past year) to renew, but you do not need to get a new sticker during renewal.
- Renewal fees vary by vehicle weight and type, ranging from roughly $135 to $180 for a standard two-year passenger car registration.
- If you renew online or by mail, you will receive your new registration card and decals by mail; you do not pick them up in person.
Renewing online through the MVC website
Go to nj.gov/mvc and click "Renew Registration" on the homepage. You will need your current registration card, driver's license, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or e-check). Enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or tax identification number.
The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee. Review the information on screen to make sure the vehicle details are correct — if anything is wrong, you will need to correct it before paying. Once you confirm everything, pay online and you will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new registration card and decals will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days.
If the online system will not accept your information, it usually means your vehicle record has an issue — for example, a lien that has not been cleared, or an outstanding violation. Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to find out what is blocking your renewal before you try again.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
The renewal notice New Jersey sends you includes a form and a return envelope. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, and vehicle information. Sign and date it, then include a check or money order for the renewal fee (do not send cash). Mail it back in the envelope provided.
Processing by mail takes three to four weeks from the date the MVC receives your form. There is no tracking number, so you will not know exactly when it arrives. Your new registration card and decals will come by mail once the MVC processes your renewal. If you do not receive them within four weeks of mailing, call 609-292-6500 to check the status.
Mail renewal is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online. It costs the same as online renewal and covers the same two-year period.
Renewing in person at an MVC office
You can walk into any MVC office with your current registration, driver's license, proof of inspection (if your inspection is expired or about to expire), and payment. Bring a check, money order, or debit/credit card. The office will process your renewal on the spot, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.
When you renew in person, you receive your new registration card and decals when ready — you do not have to wait for mail delivery. This is the fastest option if you need your new registration right away, such as if your current registration expires in a few days.
MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the MVC website. Arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times.
What to do if your inspection has expired
Your vehicle inspection is valid for one year from the date it was issued. If your inspection sticker is expired or will expire before your registration renewal is processed, you must get a new inspection before you can renew your registration. You cannot renew online or by mail with an expired inspection.
Take your vehicle to any authorized inspection station — gas stations, repair shops, and dealerships all perform inspections. The inspection takes about 15 minutes and costs around $15 to $20. Once you pass, you will receive a new inspection sticker. Then you can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person.
If your inspection expires on the same day your registration expires, you have until midnight on that day to renew both. However, it is safer to renew your inspection first, then your registration, so you do not run out of time.
Late renewal and penalties
If your registration expires and you do not renew it, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Driving with an expired registration can result in a fine of $100 to $500 and points on your driving record. If you are pulled over, the officer can also impound your vehicle.
You can renew a registration up to two years after it expires, but you will owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The late fee is typically $25 to $50 depending on how long the registration has been expired. If your registration has been expired for more than two years, you will need to register the vehicle as new rather than renewing it, which costs more and requires additional paperwork.
If your registration is about to expire, renew it before the expiration date to avoid the late fee and the risk of being stopped while driving.
Changing your address or vehicle information during renewal
If you moved or changed your name since your last registration, you can update your information during renewal. Online, you will see a field to enter your current address — make sure it matches your driver's license. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address clearly on the form. If you are renewing in person, bring a piece of mail showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
If you need to change your name on the registration (for example, after marriage or divorce), you will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVC office can help you update this during in-person renewal. For online or mail renewal, call 609-292-6500 to ask whether you need to visit an office or if you can mail in the document.
Do not attempt to renew if your address or name is significantly different from what is on your driver's license. The mismatch can cause your renewal to be rejected, and you will have to start over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has a lien on it?
Yes, you can renew even if the lender holds the title. The lien does not prevent renewal. However, if the lien holder has not been properly recorded with the MVC, the online system may reject your renewal. Call 609-292-6500 to confirm the lien is on file before you try to renew online.
What happens if I renew online but do not receive my new registration in the mail?
Wait at least 14 business days from the date you renewed. If you still have not received it, call 609-292-6500 with your confirmation number. The MVC can check whether your registration was processed and remail it if needed. Keep your old registration card until the new one arrives.
Do I need to renew my registration if I sold my car?
No. Once you sell the vehicle, you are no longer the registered owner and do not need to renew. However, you must notify the MVC that you sold it by submitting a Notice of Sale form within 10 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office.
Can someone else renew my registration for me?
If you renew by mail, anyone can mail in the form on your behalf. For online renewal, only you can log in and complete it using your personal information. For in-person renewal, someone else can renew on your behalf if they bring your current registration, driver's license, and a signed letter from you authorizing them to do so.
What if my registration renewal notice got lost in the mail?
You do not need the notice to renew. You can renew online using your VIN and license plate number, or call 609-292-6500 to request a replacement notice. The MVC can also tell you your renewal fee over the phone so you know how much to pay if you renew by mail.