Roadwise States New Jersey Driving lessons Title, registration, and license plates New Jersey driving lesson · Vehicle Information
Title, registration, and license plates A 4-minute lesson from the New Jersey course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 4 minutes
Course unit Vehicle Information
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 160, 161 Before a vehicle goes on a public road it must be titled, registered and insured. Plates must be mounted, lit and kept legible, and there are deadlines for replacing or surrendering them.
Know the rule
New Jersey residents who buy a new or used vehicle must title, register and insure it before driving it on public roads. A vehicle classified under the Lemon Law must show that on its title.
Handbook p. 160 ↗ 60 days Time a new resident has to title and register a vehicle in New Jersey (sooner if the out-of-state registration expires first)
Handbook p. 160 ↗ Know the rule
The titled owner, or a person authorized to act for the owner, must visit an MVC Vehicle Center to process the transaction.
Handbook p. 160 ↗ 4 years Validity of the first registration for a brand-new vehicle; other registrations are typically valid for one year
Handbook p. 160 ↗ Completing an initial registration Fill out a Vehicle Registration application (BA-49) at an MVC Vehicle Center List your insurance company and policy number New vehicle: show the manufacturer's certificate of origin and dealer's certificate of sale Used vehicle: show the title signed by the previous owner Leased vehicle: a power of attorney from the leasing company Show proof the sales tax was paid, or pay it at the Vehicle Center Handbook p. 160 ↗ Know the rule
Passenger vehicles get two matching plates, one on the front and one on the rear. Trailers, mopeds and motorcycles get one plate.
Handbook p. 161 ↗ 12 to under 48 inches Height above the ground for mounting passenger vehicle plates
Handbook p. 161 ↗ 50 feet Distance at which the rear plate must be visible at night; it must be lighted, even if reflectorized
Handbook p. 161 ↗ Up to $100 Fine for plate covers or holders that hide any lettering on the plate
Handbook p. 161 ↗ License plate facts Report lost or stolen plates to local police, keep a copy of the complaint, and inform the MVC Replace lost or damaged plates within 24 hours at any Vehicle Center and turn in the old plates Most plates can be transferred to your new vehicle Sold the car and not transferring the plates? Surrender them and keep the receipt If you cancel the vehicle's insurance, return the plates to the MVC Car sold, junked or destroyed with no replacement: turn in the plates for cancellation Handbook p. 161 ↗ Know the rule
Only valid plates may be displayed. Forged or counterfeit plates can bring a fine up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or up to six months' license suspension.
Handbook p. 161 ↗ Put it into practice
Your rear plate bulb burns out. Even with reflective plates, the rear plate must be lit so it can be seen from 50 feet at night, so replace the bulb before your next night drive.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
How long is the initial registration valid for a brand-new vehicle in New Jersey? 4 years 1 year 2 years 5 years Answer: 4 years
An initial registration for a brand-new vehicle is valid for four years; other registrations are typically valid for one year.
Handbook p. 160 ↗ A motorist moves into New Jersey. Within how many days must their vehicle be titled and registered? 30 days 60 days 14 days 90 days Answer: 60 days
A motorist moving into New Jersey must title and register their vehicle within 60 days, or sooner if the out-of-state registration expires first.
Handbook p. 160 ↗ How high above the ground must a front license plate be mounted? At least 6 inches but less than 24 inches Exactly 24 inches At least 12 inches but less than 48 inches At least 36 inches Answer: At least 12 inches but less than 48 inches
License plates must be mounted at least 12 inches but less than 48 inches above the ground.
Handbook p. 161 ↗ From how far away must a rear license plate be visible at night? 20 feet 100 feet 10 feet 50 feet Answer: 50 feet
The rear plate must be lighted so it is visible from 50 feet at night.
Handbook p. 161 ↗ Within how many hours must lost or damaged license plates be replaced? 24 hours 72 hours 7 days 48 hours Answer: 24 hours
Lost or damaged plates must be replaced within 24 hours at any MVC Vehicle Center.
Handbook p. 161 ↗ What is the penalty for using forged or counterfeit license plates on a vehicle? Up to $100 fine, 10 days jail, or 1-month suspension Up to $500 fine, 60 days jail, or 6-month suspension Up to $1,000 fine, 90 days jail, or 1-year suspension Up to $250 fine, 30 days jail, or 3-month suspension Answer: Up to $500 fine, 60 days jail, or 6-month suspension
Forged or counterfeit plates may result in a fine of up to $500, up to 60 days imprisonment, or a suspension of up to 6 months.
Handbook p. 161 ↗ Previous lesson Trains, animals, and horses Next lesson Inspection and insurance More in Vehicle Information About the source Roadwise’s New Jersey course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 160, 161. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check New Jersey’s MVC. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.