How to Renew Your Car Registration in New Jersey

Applying for a car registration renewal in New Jersey is simplier, as the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) allows you to renew your license plate online, in person or by mail. It is a process you must complete regularly after obtaining your initial vehicle registration.

An online DMV registration renewal is typically the quickest and most convenient method, but there are other renewal methods available.

As a reminder to apply for your tag renewal in NJ, the MVC will mail you a notice about three months before your vehicle’s current registration is due to expire. To learn more about these requirements and the steps you must take to renew your registration credentials in a timely manner, review the information below.

New Jersey License Plate Renewal Application Requirements

Before you renew registration online, in person or by mail, it is important to gather any required information for your application, as this will help you to complete the process in less time. For instance, you typically need to provide proof of your identification, submit evidence of an active automobile insurance policy and pay any applicable fees.

In some cases, you may need to provide your vehicle’s license plate number when renewing your registration materials. However, the specific information you must provide for a renewal will vary depending on the application method you employ.

Download our free, helpful guide to find out more about what you may need to complete the process.

Applying for DMV Car Registration Renewal in New Jersey

Typically, you can perform a NJ car reg check and renewal in person at a local MVC office, or  submit your application online or by mail. Learn more about each of these application methods in the sections below.

Renewing Online

To check vehicle registration status online in NJ before renewing your license plates electronically, you must be able to provide information from your automobile insurance card and MVC renewal notice.

If you lose your renewal notice but wish to renew your vehicle’s registration credentials online, you must retrieve your 9-digit PIN number by contacting the MVC’s Customer Support Line by phone. The next step is paying the tag renewal fee.

If your vehicle’s license plates are expired while you are applying for a renewal, you will likely need to visit a local MVC office to submit your request in person. When renewing your credentials in person, you must submit additional documents as proof of your identity.

In Person

To perform your car registration check and renewal in person, you must provide your reminder notice, automobile insurance card and proof of your identity, as this information is needed to renew your vehicle’s license plates. You must also provide your vehicle’s license plate number and a power of attorney, if applicable.

If you cannot provide your MVC registration renewal notice when renewing your credentials in person, you must be able to provide your vehicle’s identification number (VIN). If you have any questions about the types of documents you must present during your visit, download our free guide.

By Mail

When applying for a New Jersey auto registration renewal by mail rather than online or in person, you must complete and return your official reminder notice to the New Jersey MVC. Additionally, you must enclose a check or money order made payable to the department as payment for the registration renewal.

If your vehicle’s license plates are about to expire or are no longer valid, you may wish to renew your registration materials in person at a local MVC office. It will likely get processed faster and lower the risk that your plates is expire before your renewal is complete.

Find helpful information and renewal instructions in our free car registration guide.