New Jersey DMV

In New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is a state agency that manages vehicle and driver services. Additionally, the MVC handles inspections and emissions testing, driver safety courses, commercial driver licenses (CDLs), and traffic ticket payments. Full-service MVC offices provide services for titles, registration, driver's licenses, and state identification cards. The MVC also operates facilities specifically for suspensions and restoration, driver testing centers, road test facilities, and state-operated inspection stations. The days and hours of operation may vary by MVC office, so check with your local agency or facility for more details before you visit.

If you purchase a vehicle from somewhere other than a New Jersey dealer, you will need to title your vehicle within 10 days of purchase. This must be done in person at an MVC agency. You must bring in all required documentation and pay the required fees at the time of the application. You also need to register your vehicle in the state. If your vehicle is new, you will have to pay the registration fee for the next four years in full, according to the MVC's Four-Year Accelerated Registration Program. Used vehicles receive an one-year registration. To renew your current registration at an MVC agency, you will need to pay the fee and bring your insurance card and license plate number.

The process for applying for a driver's license varies by age. For all drivers 16 and older, there is a three-phase process that includes a student learner's permit at age 16 or an examination permit for those 17 and older, followed by a probationary license, and then a standard license. Both permits require applicants to pass a vision and knowledge test, and practice supervised driving for at least six months. To obtain a probationary license, applicants must take a road test. All drivers under the age of 21 must participate in the state's graduated driver license (GDL) program.