Registering a new car in New Jersey involves several mandatory fees to ensure your vehicle is legally titled and on the road. Understanding these costs upfront is crucial for new car owners. This guide breaks down each fee associated with new car registration in NJ.
Titling Fee
The titling fee is a standard charge for processing your vehicle’s title, proving ownership. In New Jersey, the standard titling fee is $60. However, this fee increases if your vehicle is financed. For financed vehicles with one lien, the titling fee is $85. If your new car has two liens, the titling fee is $110. It’s important to note these variations based on your financing situation.
Registration Fee
The registration fee in NJ varies depending on the type of vehicle you are registering. This fee covers your license plates and the cost of registering your vehicle with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). New vehicles that have never been titled before receive a four-year registration, offering convenience for new car owners. Leased vehicles will have a registration period that aligns with the length of the lease agreement. To get an estimate of your specific registration fee, you can utilize the official NJMVC Registration Fee Calculator.
Sales Tax Fee
In addition to titling and registration, you will also need to pay sales tax on your new car purchase. The sales tax fee is a percentage of the vehicle’s purchase price. For precise calculation of your sales tax, it’s recommended to contact the New Jersey Division of Taxation directly at 609-984-6206. They can provide detailed assistance based on your specific vehicle and purchase details.
Electric Vehicle Fee
Owners of new electric vehicles (ZEVs) in New Jersey should be aware of an additional annual fee effective from July 1, 2024. This fee applies to all zero emission vehicles certified under California Air Resources Board ZEV standards. Starting at $250 annually, this electric vehicle fee increases by $10 each year for the subsequent four years. For new ZEV registrations, this fee is collected upfront for four years at the time of initial registration. For instance, new ZEVs registered between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, will pay the additional fee covering the years 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027. 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 will be collected post-registration, with owners receiving a notification for payment.
Understanding these fees is a vital part of the new car buying process in New Jersey. By being prepared for titling, registration, sales tax, and potential electric vehicle fees, new car owners can navigate the registration process smoothly and ensure their new vehicles are legally compliant.
