NJ Vehicle Registration Renewal Fee & Form

If you own a vehicle in New Jersey, renewing your registration is a must and it’s easier than you might think. Whether you’re doing it online, by mail, or in person, knowing the NJ Vehicle Registration Renewal Fee & Form, along with the right timeline, helps you avoid penalties or delays.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through

• How to renew your NJ vehicle registration
• Current renewal fees based on vehicle type
• Which form to use (hint: it’s Form BA-49)
• Special fees for electric vehicles
• Discounts available for seniors and individuals with disabilities

Let’s break it down.

How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New Jersey

Vehicle registrations in NJ typically last one year and must be renewed before the expiration date printed on your current document.

You have three ways to renew:

1. Online Renewal

The fastest and easiest method.

What you need:

• PIN (from your renewal notice)
• Valid driver’s license number
• Insurance policy number
• Credit or debit card for payment

Steps:

1. Visit the official NJ MVC website
2. Enter your PIN and personal details
3. Pay the renewal fee
4. Receive your new registration by mail within 7–10 business days

Best for: Drivers who received a renewal notice and want a quick, contactless process.

2. By Mail

If you prefer to handle things offline.

What you need:

• Completed renewal form (sent to you or filled using Form BA-49)
• Check or money order made out to “NJMVC”
• Current proof of insurance (copy)

Steps:

1. Complete and sign your renewal notice or Form BA-49
2. Enclose payment and insurance proof
3. Mail to the address listed on the form

Important: Send your documents at least 2 weeks before your registration expires to avoid driving with expired tags.

3. In-Person at MVC Office

Perfect for those who lost their renewal notice or prefer face-to-face service.

Bring:

• Form BA-49 (see details below)
• Driver’s license or ID
• Proof of insurance
• Payment (cash, check, or card)

Tip: Appointments are recommended. You’ll get your new registration and sticker on the spot.

NJ Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees (2025)

Your registration renewal fee depends on:

• Vehicle type (car, motorcycle, trailer, etc.)
• Weight of the vehicle
• Vehicle’s model year

Here are some general fee ranges:

Passenger Vehicles

Vehicle Weight	Estimated Fee
Under 3,500 lbs	$46.50
3,501–4,000 lbs	$59.00
4,001–5,000 lbs	$71.50
Over 5,000 lbs	$84.00+

Motorcycles

• Standard Fee: Around $65

Commercial & Heavy Vehicles

• Varies by weight class – can range from $70 to several hundred dollars

Trailers

• Light trailers: Around $18–23

Electric Vehicle Registration Fee

Started in 2024, New Jersey added an annual Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) fee.

ZEV Fee Breakdown:

• 2024: $250
• Increases by $10 annually until 2028

Who pays? Owners of fully electric vehicles (EVs)

Why? To offset the loss of gas tax revenue and fund road maintenance.

What is Form BA-49?

Form BA-49 is the official New Jersey vehicle registration form. It’s used for:

• New vehicle registrations
• Registration renewals (if you don’t have a renewal notice)
• Changes to registration details (like address updates)

You can:

• Download it from the official NJ MVC site
• Pick one up at an MVC location

Required info includes:

• Vehicle details (VIN, make, model)
• Owner information
• Insurance details
• Odometer reading

Discounts & Fee Reductions

New Jersey offers registration fee discounts for eligible residents.

Senior Citizens (65+)

• $7 discount on passenger vehicle renewals

Disabled Individuals

• May qualify for fee waivers or discounts through state assistance programs

Public Assistance Programs

• If you’re enrolled in PAAD, Lifeline, or similar programs, you may also receive reduced registration fees.

Vehicle Type/Method	Approx. Fee	Form Needed	Renewal Method
Standard passenger vehicle	$46–$84 (age & weight dependent)	May need BA‑49	Online / Mail / In‑person
Zero‑Emission Vehicle (ZEV)	$250 initially, increases to $290 cap	May need BA‑49	Online / Mail / In‑person
Online renewal	Instant renewal; pay via card	Renewal notice PIN	Online
Mail renewal	Same as online, processing time 10–14 days	Renewal notice	Mail
In‑person renewal	Same fee; instant pickup	BA‑49 or notice	MVC office

Late Renewals

If your registration expires and you haven’t renewed it:

• You risk fines or penalties if stopped while driving
• You may be required to pay reinstatement fees
• Law enforcement can impound your vehicle

Tip: Set a reminder 60 days before your registration expires!

What to Do if You Didn’t Receive a Renewal Notice

It happens. Sometimes, your renewal notice gets lost in the mail. Don’t worry if you don’t receive one. You can still renew your registration. Just go to the NJ MVC website. You can look up your vehicle’s renewal status there.

You can also call NJ MVC customer service. They can give you the details you need to complete your renewal. Make sure you have your license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN) ready. This will help them find your record quickly.

Final Checklist for NJ Registration Renewal

Before you begin the process, make sure you have:
Your renewal notice or Form BA-49
Driver’s license and insurance info
Correct payment amount
Vehicle details (VIN, plate number, etc.)

• Plead not guilty to a traffic ticket in New Jersey
• Traffic violations in NJ
• NJMCDirect: pay traffic ticket
• NJ EZ Pass bill
• Pay Traffic Ticket in California

Conclusion

Renewing your vehicle registration in New Jersey doesn’t have to be a hassle. With online options, straightforward fees, and clear instructions, staying compliant is quick and simple as long as you know what to expect. Use this guide as your go-to reference for understanding NJ registration renewal fees, forms, and deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NJ Vehicle Registration Renewal

1. How much does it cost to renew vehicle registration in New Jersey?

The cost varies depending on your vehicle’s type, weight, and year. For most passenger vehicles:

• Under 3,500 lbs: around $46.50
• 3,501 to 5,000 lbs: between $59.00 and $71.50
• Over 5,000 lbs: $84.00 or more

Motorcycles, trailers, and electric vehicles have separate fee structures. Additional fees may apply for specialty plates or late renewals.

2. Can I renew my NJ registration online without a renewal notice?

No. To renew online, you need the PIN number provided in your MVC renewal notice. If you lost it, you must request a new PIN through the NJ MVC website or renew by mail or in person using Form BA-49.

3. What is Form BA-49 in New Jersey?

Form BA-49 is the official application for vehicle registration in New Jersey. It’s required for:

• New vehicle registrations
• Renewal without a renewal notice
• Updating registration info

You can download it from the NJ MVC website or get it at a local MVC office.

4. When should I renew my vehicle registration in NJ?

You should renew your registration before the expiration date printed on your current registration card. The NJ MVC typically sends out renewal notices 2–3 months in advance. It’s best to renew at least 2 weeks early if doing it by mail.

5. Is there a grace period for expired registration in NJ?

No, New Jersey does not offer a grace period. Driving with an expired registration is considered a violation and may result in fines, penalties, or even vehicle impoundment.

6. Do I need an inspection before renewing my registration in New Jersey?

Only if your vehicle is due for inspection. Registration renewal and vehicle inspection are separate, but both are required to keep your vehicle legally on the road. If your inspection is expired, you must complete it before your registration can be renewed in some cases.

7. How long does it take to receive my new registration if I renew by mail or online?

If you renew online, you’ll typically receive your new documents within 7–10 business days. For mail-in renewals, allow 10–14 days for processing and delivery.

8. Are there registration fee discounts for seniors or disabled drivers in NJ?

Yes. Seniors aged 65 and older and individuals with qualifying disabilities may receive a $7 discount on their renewal fee. Additional discounts may apply if you participate in assistance programs like PAAD or Lifeline.

9. What is the new EV registration fee in NJ?

As of 2024, electric vehicle (ZEV) owners must pay a $250 annual surcharge, which increases by $10 each year until 2028. This fee applies during registration renewal and helps fund transportation infrastructure.

10. Can I renew multiple vehicles at once in New Jersey?

Yes, you can renew multiple vehicles, but each one must be processed individually, especially if doing it online. Make sure you have the correct PIN and insurance info for each vehicle.