About Replacing Your Car Registration in New Jersey

Replacing a lost car registration in New Jersey is crucial, as driving a vehicle without valid registration credentials is illegal.

You may be subject to penalty fees and points added to your record if a police officer pulls you over for any reason. Therefore, it is important to replace lost vehicle registration credentials as soon as you misplace your original documents or believe that someone has stolen these items from you.

Moreover, you must purchase duplicate registration credentials if your original documents sustain a significant amount of damage from fire, vandalism, heat, water or any other source. If your registration credentials are unreadable, you should get replacement documents as soon as possible.

Typically, you can purchase a replacement credential online or in person at a local motor vehicle agency. To learn more about these requirements and the steps you must take to replace your registration credentials in New Jersey, review the information below.

Replacing a Defective or Lost Registration in New Jersey

To replace car registration credentials, you must submit a request online or in person. Review the sections below to learn more about these application methods.

Online

To purchase a NJ copy of registration credentials online on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) website, you must be able to provide a valid Social Security number (SSN), driver’s license number and email address. Additionally, you must provide information from your vehicle’s automobile insurance card, including a policy number.

Download our free, helpful guide for tips on how to complete the process quicker and easier.

“Can you print your car registration online in New Jersey?” is a question you may have if you want to purchase a replacement registration credential electronically.

After replacing a registration credential online, you must have access to a working printer to print a temporary registration card to use until your permanent credential arrives in the mail.

If you do not print a temporary auto registration replacement card after submitting your request, you cannot legally drive the motor vehicle until your permanent credential arrives in the mail. After placing your online order, you will receive your permanent registration card in the mail within 14 business days.

In Person

To purchase a replacement car registration card in person rather than online, you must visit a local MVC agency to submit your request.

During your office visit, you must submit a completed application, payment for the applicable fee and proof of your vehicle’s valid automobile insurance policy.

If you cannot submit your valid automobile insurance card when purchasing a replacement credential, you must be able to present your vehicle’s previous registration receipt.

Depending on the situation, you may need to submit additional documents as well to complete the replacement process.

Getting Duplicate New Jersey Registration Plates

To purchase a DMV copy of registration plates after these important documents sustain a significant amount of damages or disappear from your possession, you must submit your request in person at a local MVC office as soon as your original materials go missing or become defective.

If you do not replace your vehicle’s license plates in a timely manner, you could receive a traffic ticket, as driving without valid tags is unlawful in New Jersey.

If you believe that another individual has stolen your vehicle’s license plates from you, you must first file a police report with a local law enforcement agency. When replacing your plates at a local MVC office, you must submit a copy of the police report.

When obtaining duplicate car registration plates, you must submit a completed application, proof of identity and your vehicle’s current registration card. During your office visit, you must also provide payment for the applicable fee.

If your vehicle’s old license plates are available, you must surrender them at this time. Download your free guide to learn more about replacing your registration credentials.