Motorists must request a car registration renewal in New Jersey before operating their registered state vehicles on public roadways. Various options for completing this procedure are available to residents, such as requesting a car registration renewal online, in person or by mail. In any case, drivers wondering how to renew a car registration in NJ must be mindful of the eligibility requirements for acquiring these credentials.

Generally, these criteria are based on the applicant’s qualifications and his or her vehicle specifications. Additionally, specific deadlines for DMV car registration renewal apply to all residents. Renewal requests submitted after their set expiration dates will result in late fees. Continue reading to learn more about registration renewals in New Jersey.

Requirements for Car Registration Renewal in New Jersey

For drivers to renew a car registration online, in person or by mail, they must meet certain requirements. For instance, applicants must:

What do you need to renew your car registration in New Jersey?

When requesting a DMV car registration renewal in New Jersey, you will need to provide personal details about yourself and your vehicle. Generally, the following information must be submitted:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Current residential address
  • Drivers license number
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Proof of insurance

New Jersey Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice

Vehicle registration renewal notices are mailed to drivers before their credentials’ established expiration dates. Overall, these notices are sent to a motorist’s current address on file with the NJ DMV. Among other things, these letters state the registration’s status and include information about the available methods for renewal.

Note: At this time, online renewal notices by email are not available to New Jersey drivers.

New Jersey Car Registration Renewal Notice Lost or Not Received

If your notice to renew a car registration in NJ is lost or was never received, you are still responsible for obtaining updated documents by the expiration date. Drivers must maintain an up-to-date address on file with the DMV to ensure notices are mailed to their most current residence.

Because operating a vehicle with an expired registration is illegal, renewing registration by the established deadline is very important. Thus, keeping a personal record of upcoming expiration dates is a helpful way to avoid late renewal fees.

New Jersey Car Registration Renewal Options

There are three options for where to renew car registration in New Jersey. The available methods are online, in person and by mail. For many residents, the online method is most convenient. However, mail-in and in-person procedures are useful for drivers who need to update their personal information on file with the DMV. Find out more about these processes in the following sections.

How to Renew Your Car Registration Online

A New Jersey DMV registration renewal online is available for a short period of time before a current registration expires. As a general rule, online renewal requests cannot be submitted after the expiration date of a credential. Additionally, only drivers who receive a notice containing a personal identification number (PIN) are eligible to use the online method. In order to renew a car registration online, drivers must submit the following personal and vehicle details:

  • Name
  • PIN provided on NJ registration renewal notice
  • Drivers license number
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)

Online DMV registration renewal fees can be paid using credit or debit cards. Upon request approval, renewed registration documents are sent to motorists via mail.

How to Renew Your Car Registration by Mail

Another option for how to renew your car registration in New Jersey is by mail. To receive updated renewal documents using this method, adhere to the following steps:

  1. Collect your official motor vehicle registration notice or current registration documents.
  2. Collect a valid proof of identification.
  3. Collect fee payments. Checks and money orders are the only acceptable forms of payment.
  4. Provide any necessary backup documents, such as proof of auto insurance.
  5. Submit all of these items and fee payment to the state licensing office.

When renew car registration requests are approved by the DMV, updated registration documents are mailed to drivers.

How to Renew Your Car Registration in Person

NJ drivers can also renew a car registration in person at a local licensing office. This method is convenient for drivers who do not have a computer or need to update their personal information on file. To complete an in-person DMV registration renewal, drivers must carry out the following steps:

  • Submit requests for new registration by providing renewal notices or current registration documents.
  • Provide all necessary personal and vehicle details, including name, birthdate, residential address and VIN.
  • Provide photo identification, such as state drivers license or identification card.
  • Provide proof of auto insurance, such as a valid insurance card.
  • Submit the required fee payment.

The following forms of payment are acceptable when using the in-person method:

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Money order
  • Credit or debit card, including Visa, MasterCard and American Express

Military & Out of State Vehicle Registration Renewal in New Jersey

In New Jersey, military and out of state residents must adhere to the same expiration dates and other DMV registration renewal requirements in place. The best options for renewal when residing out of state are the online and mail-in methods.

New Jersey Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees

The vehicle registration renewal cost in New Jersey is based on the type and year of the car being renewed by drivers. For instance, a vehicle under 2,700 pounds that is newer than 1970 would be subject to a fee of $35.50. In addition to the base renewal fee, the following costs may apply:

  • State and local taxes
  • Processing fees
  • Late fees, for requests submitted after the expiration date
Last updated on Monday, April 4 2022.