What you need to know about New Jersey license plates

New Jersey issues standard passenger plates, vanity plates with custom characters, and specialty plates that support specific causes or organizations. When you register a vehicle in New Jersey, you receive two plates — one for the front and one for the back. The state uses a format of one letter followed by four numbers and two letters (like A1234BC), though older plates and vanity plates follow different patterns.

You cannot order a plate directly from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Instead, plates are issued automatically when you complete vehicle registration, or you can request a vanity or specialty plate as part of the registration process. If your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can request a replacement through the MVC.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard New Jersey plates are issued automatically with vehicle registration and use the format of one letter, four numbers, and two letters.
  • Vanity plates let you choose your own characters (up to seven) and cost an additional fee beyond standard registration.
  • Specialty plates support causes like veterans, environmental conservation, or specific colleges, and each has its own fee structure.
  • Replacement plates for lost, stolen, or damaged plates are ordered through the MVC online, by mail, or in person at a service center.

Standard New Jersey plates and what they show

Every standard New Jersey plate displays the state name, the Garden State slogan, and a unique combination of characters. The current format — one letter followed by four numbers and two letters — has been in use since 2001. Your plate also shows the county code in the upper right corner, which identifies where the vehicle was registered.

When you register a new vehicle or renew your registration, the MVC mails your plates to the address on file. You should receive them within two to three weeks of completing registration. The plates remain valid for the duration of your registration period, which is typically four years for passenger vehicles in New Jersey.

Vanity plates: choosing your own characters

A vanity plate lets you select up to seven characters instead of receiving a random combination. You can use letters, numbers, or a mix of both. The MVC checks your request against a list of prohibited combinations — plates that are offensive, already in use, or too similar to existing plates are rejected.

Vanity plates cost more than standard plates. The exact fee varies, so check the current MVC fee schedule before ordering. You can request a vanity plate when you first register a vehicle or when you renew your registration. You submit your requested characters through the MVC website, by mail, or at a service center. If your first choice is taken, you can submit up to three alternatives on the same request.

The MVC typically processes vanity plate requests within four to six weeks. If approved, your plates are mailed to you. If rejected, the MVC notifies you and you can submit a new request with different characters.

Specialty plates supporting causes and organizations

New Jersey offers specialty plates that benefit specific organizations or causes. These include plates for military veterans, environmental conservation, college alumni associations, and various charitable organizations. Each specialty plate has its own design and fee structure. Some of the fees go to the organization the plate supports.

You can order a specialty plate through the MVC website or at a service center. You will need to provide proof of may be able to access for some specialty plates — for example, military plates require military service documentation. Once approved, specialty plates are mailed to you just like standard or vanity plates.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged plate

If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond legibility, you can request a replacement through the MVC. You have three options: order online through the MVC website, mail a request form to the MVC, or visit a service center in person. Online ordering is the fastest method.

To order a replacement online, you will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and a valid email address. The MVC will mail your replacement plate to the address on file. Replacement plates cost a set fee, which you can find on the MVC website.

If your plate was stolen, you may want to file a police report as well, though this is not required to order a replacement. Keep the report number for your records. If you lose a vanity or specialty plate, you can request a replacement of the same plate rather than reverting to a standard plate.

Transferring plates between vehicles

New Jersey allows you to transfer a standard plate from one vehicle to another if both vehicles are registered in your name. You cannot transfer a vanity or specialty plate — if you want to keep a custom plate, you must keep it with the original vehicle or surrender it.

To transfer a standard plate, you must register the new vehicle and request the plate transfer at the same time. You can do this online, by mail, or at a service center. The MVC will deactivate the plate on the old vehicle and set up it on the new one. There is a transfer fee, which you can find on the MVC fee schedule.

Displaying your plate correctly

New Jersey law requires both the front and back plates to be clearly visible and unobstructed. The plate must be securely fastened and not covered by any material, including tinted covers or frames that obscure the characters. You can use a frame around the plate as long as it does not hide any letters, numbers, or the state name.

The plate must be mounted at a reasonable angle and height so that it can be read from a distance. If a police officer determines your plate is not displayed correctly, you can receive a citation. Make sure your plates are clean and readable, especially if they are older and the characters have faded.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive a new Jersey license plate?

Standard plates issued with new registration typically arrive within two to three weeks. Vanity plates take four to six weeks because the MVC must check your requested characters against existing plates. Replacement plates for lost or damaged plates arrive within two to three weeks of ordering.

Can I keep my plate if I sell my vehicle?

You can keep a standard plate and transfer it to a new vehicle you register in your name. You cannot transfer a vanity or specialty plate — those stay with the original vehicle. If you want to keep a custom plate, you must keep it on that vehicle or surrender it to the MVC.

What happens if my vanity plate request is rejected?

The MVC notifies you by mail if your requested characters are unavailable or prohibited. You can then submit a new request with different characters. You can submit up to three alternative choices on the same request to increase your chances of approval.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen plate?

A police report is not required to order a replacement plate through the MVC. However, filing a report is a good idea for your records and may be useful if the stolen plate is later used fraudulently. You can order your replacement plate when ready without waiting for a report.

Can I use a plate cover or frame on my New Jersey plate?

You can use a frame around your plate as long as it does not cover or obscure any letters, numbers, or the state name. Tinted covers that reduce visibility are not permitted. The plate must remain clearly readable from a distance.