Moving to New Jersey: car title and registration costs
Moving to New Jersey with a car you own: title and registration come to about $131.50 for a $20,000 car you have owned over a year (estimate). Register within 60 days of moving (NJ Motor Vehicle Commission).
Tax on the car itself: $0.00.
Estimate of government charges. The DMV or county office calculates the final amount.
Your own numbers
Set up for: moving to New Jersey · Different situation?
Every line for a new resident
| Line | Group | Amount | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales tax when you move here | State & local tax | $0.00 | NJ Motor Vehicle Commission |
| Title fee (no lien) | Title | $60.00 | NJ Motor Vehicle Commission |
| Passenger car registration (1 year, by weight and age) | Registration & plates | $71.50 | NJ Motor Vehicle Commission |
Deadlines
- Private/used sale: transfer title within (working days of sale): 10 days (NJ Motor Vehicle Commission)
- New vehicle not titled by dealer: title within (days of purchase): 10 days (NJ Motor Vehicle Commission)
- New resident: transfer title and registration within (days of moving): 60 days (NJ Motor Vehicle Commission)
- Use tax on an out-of-state purchase: report on Form ST-18 within (days of bringing it into NJ): 20 days (NJ Division of Taxation)
Sales tax when you move
- Sales tax when you move here: No NJ sales/use tax on a vehicle bought, titled and registered in another state while you were not a NJ resident (MVC exemption #7). New residents pay only title and registration fees.
Checklist before the DMV visit
- Your out-of-state title (or the lender's details if there is a loan) and current registration
- Proof of insurance that meets the state's requirements
- Your new driver license or ID, and proof of your new address
- Odometer reading; some states also need a VIN or safety/emissions inspection
- Proof of sales tax you paid when you bought the car, if it was recent (several states credit it or exempt you)
After that: yearly renewal
See registration and title fees in New Jersey for the yearly cost.
Official tools: NJ MVC 4-Year Registration Fee Calculator (new cars, incl. ZEV) · NJ MVC Registration and Title Fees · NJ Division of Taxation Motor Vehicle Casual Sales FAQ
Sources
- NJ Motor Vehicle Commission: Vehicles Exempt From Sales Tax
- NJ Motor Vehicle Commission: How To Get A Title For A New Vehicle
- NJ Motor Vehicle Commission: Registration and Title Fees
- NJ Motor Vehicle Commission: Transferring Vehicle Ownership
- NJ Motor Vehicle Commission: Moving To New Jersey
- NJ Division of Taxation: ANJ-7 New Jersey Use Tax (Rev. 5/25)
FAQ
How long do I have to register my car after moving to New Jersey?
New resident: transfer title and registration within (days of moving): 60 days, per NJ Motor Vehicle Commission.
Do I pay sales tax when I bring my car to New Jersey?
No NJ sales/use tax on a vehicle bought, titled and registered in another state while you were not a NJ resident (MVC exemption #7). New residents pay only title and registration fees.
How much does it cost to register an out-of-state car in New Jersey?
About $131.50 for a $20,000 car owned over a year (estimate of title and registration).