New Jersey license plate transfers allow you to move your existing plates from one vehicle to another when you sell your current vehicle and acquire a new one. New Jersey plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. Transfers are processed through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) at a Vehicle Center statewide. New Jersey is a two-plate state. Transferring existing plates costs $4.50, which is cheaper than the $25 fee for new plates.
Does New Jersey allow you to transfer a license plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. New Jersey allows plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same person. When you sell your vehicle, remove both plates and transfer them to your new vehicle at an NJMVC Vehicle Center. Transferring your existing plates to a new vehicle costs $4.50 and avoids the $25 new plate fee.
How do you transfer a license plate in New Jersey?
New Jersey plate transfers are processed at NJMVC Vehicle Centers statewide. Appointments can be made at nj.gov/mvc.
- Remove both license plates from the vehicle you are selling. New Jersey plates stay with the owner.
- Obtain the title for your newly acquired vehicle. For private-party purchases, the seller must sign the title and complete the odometer disclosure.
- Visit an NJMVC Vehicle Center statewide with all required documents.
- Request a plate transfer to the new vehicle. Pay the $4.50 transfer fee plus any difference in registration fees between the two vehicles.
- Pay the 6.625% New Jersey sales tax on the new vehicle purchase.
- Receive updated registration for the new vehicle using your transferred plates.
What documents do you need to transfer a plate in New Jersey?
Have these documents ready for a New Jersey plate transfer at an NJMVC Vehicle Center.
- Valid New Jersey driver’s license or state ID
- Title for the new vehicle, signed by the seller with all liens released for private purchases
- Bill of sale with purchase price, date, and odometer reading
- Current registration for the plates you are transferring
- Both physical license plates (front and rear)
- Proof of current New Jersey liability insurance for the new vehicle
- Payment for $4.50 transfer fee, 6.625% sales tax, and any registration fee difference
How much does it cost to transfer a license plate in New Jersey?
The $4.50 transfer fee is the main plate-specific cost. New Jersey’s 6.625% sales tax and weight-based registration fee are the larger cost components.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plate transfer fee | $4.50 |
| New plates (if not transferring) | $25.00 for a standard two-plate set |
| Annual registration fee (passenger vehicle) | $46.50 to $84.00 depending on vehicle weight – contact NJMVC for your specific vehicle |
| State sales tax on vehicle purchase | 6.625% |
| EV registration surcharge (effective July 1, 2024) | $250 to $290 annually for battery electric vehicles – contact NJMVC for current amount |
| PHEV surcharge (effective July 1, 2024) | $290 annually – contact NJMVC for current amount |
Can you transfer a personalized or specialty plate in New Jersey?
New Jersey specialty and personalized plates can be transferred to a new vehicle. Personalized plates cost a one-time $50 fee with no annual surcharge. Specialty cause plates carry a $10 annual fee. Contact the NJMVC for current transfer procedures.
What happens to the old registration when you transfer a plate in New Jersey?
When you sell your vehicle in New Jersey and remove your plates, the old registration is cancelled. The buyer registers the vehicle at an NJMVC Vehicle Center and pays 6.625% sales tax. Remove both plates before the buyer takes possession.
Can you transfer a license plate to someone else in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey plates are not transferable between different owners. Only the same owner can transfer plates between their own vehicles. When selling, remove both plates.
Do New Jersey plates stay with the vehicle or the owner when you sell a car?
New Jersey plates stay with the owner. Remove both front and rear plates when selling. The buyer registers at an NJMVC Vehicle Center and pays 6.625% sales tax. Transfer your plates to your new vehicle at the NJMVC for $4.50.
Is there a deadline to complete a plate transfer in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires new vehicle registration within 60 days of purchase or within 60 days of establishing New Jersey residency.
What should you do if you do not want to transfer the plate?
If you sell your vehicle and do not immediately purchase a replacement, you may surrender your plates to the NJMVC using the plate drop box outside any MVC agency or by mailing them to NJ MVC, P.O. Box 129, Trenton, NJ 08666-0129. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a receipt. You may qualify for a partial registration refund by completing Form RU9 within 30 days.