This chapter covers the paperwork side of owning a vehicle in New Jersey: title, registration, license plates, inspection, and insurance. New residents must title and register their vehicle within 60 days of moving to the state (sooner if the out-of-state registration expires first). An initial registration on a brand-new vehicle is valid for four years; other registrations are typically renewed annually.
The most heavily tested material is vehicle inspection and insurance. Most gasoline-fueled passenger vehicles more than five model years old must pass a state inspection every two years. Liability insurance is mandatory for every registered vehicle, and the insurance ID card must stay in the vehicle and be shown at inspection, after a crash, or during a traffic stop.
A common mistake is forgetting that license plates must be returned to the MVC when insurance is terminated, a vehicle is sold without transferring plates, or a vehicle is junked — plates cannot simply be discarded. The chapter also covers reporting insurance fraud, which the state actively investigates and prosecutes.
How long does a new resident have to title and register a vehicle in New Jersey?⌄
Within 60 days of moving into the state, or sooner if the out-of-state registration expires first.
How often must most passenger vehicles be inspected?⌄
Gasoline-fueled passenger vehicles more than five model years old must pass a state inspection every two years.
Is liability insurance required to register a vehicle in New Jersey?⌄
Yes — every vehicle registered in New Jersey must have liability insurance, and the insurance ID card must be kept in the vehicle.