Registering a new car in New Jersey involves several mandatory fees to ensure your vehicle is legally recognized and compliant with state regulations. These fees cover different aspects of the registration process, from titling to road usage. If you’re a new car owner in NJ, understanding these costs upfront can help you budget effectively.
Titling Fees for Your New Car
The titling fee officially establishes you as the legal owner of your new car. The standard titling fee is $60. However, this fee can increase if you finance your vehicle. For a financed vehicle with one lien, the titling fee is $85. If your financed vehicle involves two liens, the fee is $110. These variations account for the additional administrative work required to record and manage liens.
New Car Registration Fees and License Plates
The registration fee is a recurring cost that allows you to legally operate your new car on New Jersey roads. The exact amount varies based on the type of vehicle you are registering. This fee includes the cost of your license plates. New vehicles that have never been titled before receive a four-year registration, providing longer-term validity. For leased vehicles, the registration duration is typically aligned with the lease term. To get an estimate of your specific registration fee, you can utilize the online registration fee calculator provided by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC).
Sales Tax on New Car Purchases
In addition to titling and registration, you will also need to pay sales tax on your new car purchase. This is a standard state tax applied to most retail transactions, including vehicle sales. If you require assistance in calculating the precise sales tax amount for your new car, it’s recommended to contact the New Jersey Division of Taxation directly at 609-984-6206. They can provide detailed guidance based on your purchase price and any applicable tax rates.
Electric Vehicle Fees for New Cars in NJ
Owners of new electric vehicles (ZEVs) in New Jersey should be aware of an additional annual fee that took effect on July 1, 2024. This fee is in addition to the standard registration fee and applies to vehicles certified as Zero Emission Vehicles according to California Air Resources Board ZEV standards. For new ZEVs registered, the initial fee covers four years. For example, for new ZEVs registered between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, you will pay the fee for 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027 upfront. The annual EV fee started at $250 on July 1, 2024, and increases by $10 each year for the subsequent four years. The NJMVC is updating its systems to implement this new fee, and for ZEVs registered between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2024, the additional fee may be collected after the initial registration date via a separate notice.
