I just moved to New Jersey? How do I get my license and vehicle registered?
New Jersey is a popular destination for many people, especially because of its proximity to New York. There are beaches and different tourist areas that draw in thousands of people each year. If you’re considering becoming a new resident of New Jersey, there are different tasks you’ll need to complete, such as transferring your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Here’s what you need to know about completing these essential tasks.
When Are You Required to Transfer Your Driver’s License to the State of New Jersey?
The state of New Jersey requires new residents in this state to transfer their driver’s license and vehicle registration within 60 days of establishing residency in New Jersey. In the event of a public health crisis, you will have 120 days after establishing residency in New Jersey to transfer your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Keep in mind, you will not be reminded of the deadline date to have everything transferred or the date you arrived in the state.
Change of Address in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission requires a valid address for all drivers. However, there is no required time period to complete this task. It’s a good idea to change your address with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC) and on your license as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary confusion.
You can change your address in person at your local NJ MVC office or online. When you are changing your address in New Jersey, you will be asked to provide proof of your new address, proof of your age and identity, and proof of citizenship or legal presence.
How to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to New Jersey
When you move to New Jersey, you are required to transfer your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Here are the steps you need to take to successfully transfer both your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
Schedule an Appointment With Your Local NJ MVC Office
In the state of New Jersey, you are required to schedule an appointment with the NJ MVC to transfer your driver’s license to NJ. There is an appointment scheduler you can use to receive any MVC service you may need. Schedule your appointment as soon as possible, so you can avoid unnecessary penalties and fees.
Purchase a Transfer Permit
You must purchase a transfer permit and submit it with your New Jersey driver’s license transfer application. You need to pay $10 to obtain the permit. Once you have the permit, it will be assessed with your driver’s license transfer application.
Pass the Vision Screening
You will also be required to pass the vision screening. You must have a visual activity of 20/50 or better to pass the New Jersey vision exam. This vision test can be taken at your primary physician’s office, or on-site at your local MVC. If you fail to meet the requirements to pass the vision test, you must retake the test or operate a vehicle with corrective lenses.
Have Your Picture Taken
Say cheese! You will have your picture taken at the time you submit your driver’s license transfer application, and it will be put on file with the NJ MVC. There is no dress code, but make sure you look presentable on the day you decide to visit your local NJ MVC.
Provide the Necessary Documentation
There are certain documents you are required to submit at your local New Jersey MVC office to complete the driver’s license transfer application. You must submit these documents:
A valid out-of-state license (for proof of identity)
Proof of New Jersey address
Social security number
Check out this infographic regarding the documents you are required to have to successfully transfer your driver’s license to New Jersey.
Receive Your Temporary NJ Driver’s License
Once you submit the required paperwork, and it is accepted by the New Jersey MVC, you will receive your new driver’s license. Once you receive your temporary NJ driver’s license, you must surrender your out-of-state driver’s license.
Transferring Your Driver’s License If You’re From a Different County
If you’re moving to New Jersey permanently from a different county, and you’re a non-US citizen, you are not able to drive in the state of NJ before you receive a new driver’s license. You are required to pass both the road and written knowledge tests in addition to following the above-listed steps.
Pass the Written Exam
The written driving exam in New Jersey will test you on the core driving rules and traffic signs throughout the state. There are 50 questions on the exam, and you’ll need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass with a score of 80%.
If English is not your primary language, the NJ MVC provides the written part of the driving exam in Spanish, French, Korean, and other languages.
Pass the Road Test
When you’re taking the NJ road test, you are required to perform core driving concepts. You will be tested on your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. You are required to make an appointment to pass the road test. The NJ MVC recommends practicing your driving for 3 to 6 months before attempting the NJ road test. This road test will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
What Happens If You Don’t Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License Before the Deadline?
In the state of New Jersey, new residents of this state have 60 days to transfer their driver’s license. Again, reminders are not given to ensure you transfer your out-of-state driver’s license before the deadline, so it’s best to complete this task as soon as possible.
Now that you know the steps that are required to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to New Jersey, let’s discuss registering your vehicle in this state.
Registering Your Vehicle In New Jersey
As a new resident of the Garden State, you are required to transfer your out-of-state vehicle title and register your vehicle. You have 60 days after you establish residency in this state to register your vehicle.
Before you can successfully register your vehicle in NJ, you must obtain a valid NJ auto liability insurance policy. You’ll need to visit your local NJ MVC office in person and request an “initial packet” that contains the required forms to title and register your vehicle in New Jersey.
Once you complete the initial package, you must:
Provide your NJ insurance identification card, or the name of your insurance company and policy number
Provide your social security number
Present your NJ driver’s license number (if you don’t have an NJ driver’s license, you are required to present 6 points of identification)
Provide an accurate odometer reading
Submit the appropriate NJ vehicle titling application (Universal Title Form) If there is a lien on the vehicle, you need to fax form CS-54 to your lien holder. This form is in the initial packet you received from the NJ MVC.
Submit the Application for Vehicle Registration (Form BA-49)
Pay all applicable vehicle registration fees (these fees are based on the weight and age of the vehicle)
Be advised, your vehicle must be inspected within 14 days of registering your vehicle in New Jersey.
Transferring Your New Jersey Vehicle Registration
You are allowed to transfer your existing vehicle registration and license plates to your new vehicle. Keep in mind, the code and name on your new vehicle registration must match your old registration. You must pay an additional $4.50 to complete this transaction. The registration fees you are assessed may be prorated if there is time left on the vehicle registration you are transferring.
New Jersey MVC Locations
There are different MVC locations across the state of New Jersey where you can transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and register your vehicle in NJ.
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission - Lawrenceville Branch
3200 US Highway
1 Ste 1
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 292-6500
Monday - Friday (8 AM to 4:30 PM)
Saturday (8 AM to 3 PM)
Sunday (Closed)
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission - Eatontown Branch
109 State Route 36
Eatontown, NJ 07724
(609) 292-6500
Monday - Friday (8 AM to 4:30 PM)
Saturday (8 AM to 3 PM)
Sunday (Closed)
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission - Edison Branch
45 Kilmer Rd
Edison, NJ 08817
(609) 252-6500
Monday - Friday (8 AM to 4:30 PM)
Saturday (8 AM to 3 PM)
Sunday (Closed)
Transferring Your Out-of-State Driver’s License and Registering Your Vehicle In New Jersey
Q&A
Q. How long can you live in New Jersey with an out-of-state driver’s license?
As a new resident of New Jersey, you have 60 days to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to New Jersey.
Q. How long after moving to New Jersey do I have to register my car?
You have 60 days to register your out-of-state vehicle with the state of New Jersey.
Q. Do I need proof of residency to get a New Jersey driver’s license?
Yes, you are required to provide proof of residency to obtain a New Jersey driver’s license. You can use the 6 points of identification to help you determine documents the NJ MVC accepts as proof.
Q. How much does it cost to get your car registered in New Jersey?
As a resident of New Jersey, you can expect to pay $85 for a vehicle with one lien, $110 for a vehicle with two liens, and a temporary non-resident registration fee of $5.
Q. Can I register my car in New Jersey with an out-of-state license?
Yes. As a new resident, you have 60 days to obtain an NJ driver’s license and register your vehicle with the state of New Jersey.
Q. Can I live in New Jersey and have a car registered in another state?
No. There are only 8 states that allow their residents to register their vehicle in one state and reside in another state.
Q. How much does it cost to register a car in New Jersey from another state?
The fees you will be expected to pay to register your out-of-state vehicle in New Jersey vary depending on different vehicle factors. Click here to help you determine the fees for your unique situation.
Q. Does New Jersey require a smog check or vehicle inspection?
In the state of New Jersey, residents are required to have a smog check performed on their vehicle upon registering their vehicle, then every 2 years.
