What New Jersey license plates look like and what you need to get them
New Jersey issues standard passenger plates with the state name across the top, a blue EU-style flag on the left side, and a combination of letters and numbers in the center. When you register a vehicle in New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) assigns you a plate number based on your vehicle type and registration class. You cannot choose your plate number through a standard registration.
To get your first New Jersey plate, you need to register your vehicle with the MVC. This requires your vehicle title, proof of insurance, a completed registration form, and payment of the registration fee. If you are moving to New Jersey from another state, you must register your vehicle within 60 days of establishing residency. The MVC will mail your plates to the address on your registration within two to three weeks of approval.
New Jersey plates are valid for the length of your registration period, which is typically four years for passenger vehicles. Your registration renewal notice will arrive by mail about 60 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office.
Key Takeaways
- Standard New Jersey plates are issued automatically when you register your vehicle; you cannot request a specific number combination.
- You must register within 60 days of moving to New Jersey, and the MVC will mail your plates within two to three weeks.
- Replacement plates cost $7.50 each and can be ordered online through the MVC website or obtained in person at an MVC office.
- Vanity plates are available for an additional fee and require a separate request after your standard registration is complete.
- If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, report it to the MVC and request a replacement with the same number or a new number.
Ordering replacement plates in New Jersey
If your plate is damaged, faded, or illegible, you can order a replacement from the MVC. The cost is $7.50 per plate. You have three options: order online through the MVC website using your vehicle registration number, call the MVC at 609-292-6500, or visit an MVC office in person.
When you order a replacement, you can request the same plate number you currently have, or the MVC can issue you a new number. Most people keep their existing number to avoid updating registration documents and insurance records. Replacement plates arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
If your plate was stolen, file a police report first and bring that report to the MVC office, or mention the theft when ordering online. The MVC may issue you a new number in theft cases rather than reissuing the same one.
Vanity plates and personalized options
New Jersey offers vanity plates that display a custom combination of letters and numbers instead of the standard random assignment. Vanity plates cost $50 for the initial issuance and $50 for each renewal. You can request up to three character combinations in order of preference, and the MVC will check availability before processing your request.
Vanity plate requests must follow New Jersey rules: the combination cannot be offensive, cannot impersonate a government agency, and must be between two and eight characters. You can order vanity plates online through the MVC website, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. Processing takes about four weeks.
If your vanity plate request is denied because the combination is unavailable or violates the rules, the MVC will notify you and you can submit new choices. You do not lose your fee if your first choice is rejected.
Special plates for military, veterans, and organizations
New Jersey offers special plates for active military members, veterans, and members of certain organizations. These include plates for Pearl Harbor survivors, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, and members of organizations like the Fraternal Order of Police or the American Legion.
To order a special plate, you must meet the may be able to access requirements for that plate type. For military and veteran plates, you will need to provide documentation of your service status. You can order these plates through the MVC website, by mail, or in person. The cost varies by plate type; some special plates cost the same as standard plates ($7.50 for a replacement), while others may have different fees.
Special plates are not vanity plates — you cannot customize the number combination. The MVC assigns a number based on availability within the special plate series.
What to do if your plate is lost or stolen
If your plate is lost or stolen, report it to your local police department and obtain a report number. Then contact the MVC to report the loss. You can do this online through the MVC website, by phone at 609-292-6500, or in person at an MVC office.
When you report a lost or stolen plate, you have the option to receive a replacement with the same number or a new number. If you choose a new number, the old plate becomes invalid and cannot be used by anyone else. If you keep the same number, the MVC will mail you a new plate within two to three weeks.
The replacement cost is $7.50 per plate. If both plates are lost or stolen, you will pay $7.50 for each replacement. Some insurance policies cover plate theft, so check your policy before paying out of pocket.
Transferring plates between vehicles
You cannot transfer a standard New Jersey plate from one vehicle to another. When you sell or trade in a vehicle, the plate stays with that vehicle or is surrendered to the MVC. When you register a new vehicle, you receive a new plate number.
The exception is vanity plates. If you own a vanity plate and purchase a new vehicle, you can transfer the vanity plate to the new vehicle. To do this, you must register the new vehicle first, then submit a vanity plate transfer request to the MVC. The transfer costs $50 and takes about four weeks to process.
If you are transferring a vanity plate, the old vehicle's registration will be issued a standard temporary plate until you complete the transfer or the registration expires.
Displaying and maintaining your New Jersey plates
New Jersey law requires that both the front and rear plates be displayed on your vehicle at all times. The plate must be clearly visible, not obscured by dirt, damage, or any covering. Reflective covers, tinted covers, or frames that make the plate harder to read are not permitted.
Your plate must remain legible for traffic cameras, toll readers, and law enforcement. If your plate becomes faded, cracked, or difficult to read, order a replacement. Driving with an illegible or obscured plate can result in a traffic citation.
When your registration expires, your plate remains valid until you renew. You do not need to return your old plate when you renew your registration online or by mail. If you renew in person at an MVC office, ask whether you need to surrender your old plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my New Jersey plate if I move out of state?
No. Your New Jersey plate is tied to your vehicle registration in New Jersey. If you move out of state and register your vehicle in another state, you must surrender your New Jersey plate and register for a plate in your new state. Some states allow you to keep an out-of-state plate temporarily while you complete the transfer, but this varies by state.
How long does it take to receive a new plate in the mail?
Standard replacement plates and new registration plates arrive within two to three weeks of your order or registration approval. Vanity plates take about four weeks. If you need a plate sooner, you can visit an MVC office in person to request an expedited plate, though availability varies by location.
What happens if I never receive my plate in the mail?
Contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 or through the MVC website to report the missing plate. Provide your vehicle registration number and the date you ordered or registered. The MVC can check the status of your order and remail the plate or issue a replacement if it was lost in transit.
Do I need to remove my old plate before installing a new one?
Yes. Remove the old plate completely before installing the new one. Use a screwdriver or drill to remove the fasteners. Do not cover the old plate or leave it on the vehicle. If you are replacing both plates, remove both old ones before installing the new pair.
Can I get a plate with a specific number if I am registering a classic or antique vehicle?
Classic and antique vehicles in New Jersey are issued standard plates based on their registration class, not custom numbers. However, you can order a vanity plate for a classic vehicle after registration is complete. The vanity plate process is the same regardless of vehicle age.