Understanding car registration fees in New Jersey can be straightforward once you know the factors that influence the cost. Whether you’re a new resident or a long-time driver, knowing How Much Is Registration For A Car In Nj is essential for budgeting and compliance. This guide breaks down the different fee categories, discounts, and additional costs associated with registering your vehicle in the Garden State.
Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
The basic registration fee for passenger vehicles in New Jersey is determined by a combination of your car’s model year and weight class. Older vehicles and those with lighter weights generally have lower registration fees. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on model year and weight:
For vehicles from 1970 or older:
- Weight Class 1: Under 2,700 lbs: $35.50
- Weight Class 2: 2,700 lbs – 3,800 lbs: $44.50
- Weight Class 3: Over 3,800 lbs: $65.50
For vehicles from 1971 – 1979:
- Weight Class 4: Under 2,700 lbs: $38.50
- Weight Class 5: 2,700 lbs – 3,800 lbs: $49.50
- Weight Class 6: Over 3,800 lbs: $72.50
For vehicles newer than 1979:
- Weight Class 7 (Older than 2 years): Under 3,500 lbs: $46.50
- Weight Class 7 (Within 2 years): Under 3,500 lbs: $59.00
- Weight Class 8 (Older than 2 years): Over 3,500 lbs: $71.50
- Weight Class 8 (Within 2 years): Over 3,500 lbs: $84.00
- Weight Class 9 (Older than 2 years): Commuter Van**: $71.50
- Weight Class 9 (Within 2 years): Commuter Van**: $84.00
It’s important to note that a commuter van is defined as a vehicle with seating for at least eight passengers, used for daily commuting, but can also be used for personal purposes. The weight class of your vehicle is usually found in the manufacturer’s statement of origin. If this isn’t available, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) uses resources like registration renewal applications, the Branham Reference Book, or their weight class manual. In cases where the manufacturer’s weight is disputable, you might need to weigh your car at a certified scale.
Fees for Other Non-Commercial Vehicles
Besides standard passenger vehicles, New Jersey has specific registration fees for other types of non-commercial vehicles, including recreational vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Code | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Private Utility/House Semi-trailer | Code 22 | $18.00 (≤ 2000 lbs) / $23.00 (> 2000 lbs) |
| Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) | Code 25 | $46.50 (initial) / $34.00 (older than 2 years) |
| Motorcycle/Autocycle | Code 53 | $65.00 |
| Motorized bicycle (moped) | Code 61 | $15.00 |
| Historic Vehicle | Code 64 | $44.00 ($74 courtesy, $94 personalized) |
| Snowmobile (Resident) | Code 87 | $24.00 |
| Snowmobile (Non-Resident) | Code 88 | $28.00 |
| ATV (Resident) | Code 89 | $34.00 |
| ATV (Non-Resident) | Code 90 | $38.00 |
| Dirt Bike (Resident) | Code 91 | $34.00 |
| Dirt Bike (Non-Resident) | Code 92 | $38.00 |
Motor homes and station wagons are registered based on the passenger weight class and model year, similar to passenger vehicles. For non-commercial trucks, fees are determined by the vehicle’s gross weight.
Boat Registration Fees
New Jersey also requires boat registration for both pleasure and commercial use. The fees for boat registration depend on the length of the boat.
Non-Commercial (Pleasure) Boat Fees:
| Boat Length | Fee |
|---|---|
| Less than 16 feet | $12.00 |
| 16 to less than 26 feet | $28.00 |
| 26 to less than 40 feet | $52.00 |
| 40 to less than 65 feet | $80.00 |
| 65 feet or more | $250.00 |
| Duplicate registration | $5.00 |
Commercial Boat Registration Fees:
| Boat Length | Fee |
|---|---|
| Less than 16 feet | $13.00 |
| 16 to less than 26 feet | $29.00 |
| 26 to less than 40 feet | $53.00 |
| 40 to less than 65 feet | $81.00 |
| 65 feet or more | $251.00 |
Registration Transfer and Duplicate Fees
If you are transferring a registration from one vehicle to another, there is a $4.50 transfer fee, in addition to any potential increase in registration fee due to a change in weight class. For duplicate or replacement registration documents, the fee is $5 for one-year passenger or commercial registrations, and also $5 for the last year of a four-year accelerated registration or a replacement boat decal. For replacements needed during the first three years of a four-year registration, the fee is $11.
Discounts and Reductions
New Jersey offers registration fee discounts for senior citizens (65 and older) and persons with disabilities. These individuals receive a $7.00 reduction on passenger vehicle registration fees. This discount does not apply to boat registrations.
Furthermore, recipients of certain state assistance programs are also eligible for discounted registration fees for passenger vehicles and non-commercial trucks. These programs include:
- Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Lifeline
To claim these discounts, you typically need to present proof of eligibility, such as a PAAD card, SSI card, or Lifeline eligibility documentation, at the time of registration.
Conclusion
Understanding the registration fees for a car in NJ involves considering several factors, including vehicle type, model year, weight, and potential eligibility for discounts. By using this guide, you can better estimate your car registration costs and ensure you are prepared when it’s time to register or renew your vehicle’s registration with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. For the most up-to-date information and to potentially renew your registration online, visit the official New Jersey MVC website.
