What Is a Temporary License Plate in New Jersey?
New Jersey issues temporary registration certificates and temporary license plates to allow short-term road use until permanent registration. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission administers the program statewide.
Licensed dealers issue temporary plates at the point of sale for both residents and non-residents. MVC issues temporary non-resident registrations directly at vehicle agencies for private purchases. Temporary plates are printed on secure paper and mounted in the rear license plate holder.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in New Jersey?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Dealer (Resident) | Temporary Registration Certificate | Dealer sale to NJ resident | Licensed NJ Dealer |
| Temporary Dealer (Non-Resident) | Temporary Registration Certificate | Dealer sale to out-of-state buyer | Licensed NJ Dealer |
| Second Temporary | Second Temporary Registration Certificate | Delay in permanent registration | Licensed NJ Dealer |
| Temporary Non-Resident | Temporary Non-Resident Registration | Private purchase by non-resident in NJ | MVC Agency |
| In Transit Empty | In Transit Empty Registration | Transport of empty commercial vehicle | MVC Government Unit |
A second temporary registration certificate can only be issued when permanent registration is delayed due to a lost title, lienholder delay, or complex title correction, according to N.J.A.C. 13:21-15.9.
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in New Jersey?
- A buyer purchasing from a licensed New Jersey dealer receives a temporary registration certificate and plate printed at the dealership according to N.J.S.A. 39:3-4c.
- A non-resident purchasing from a licensed NJ dealer receives a temporary registration certificate for transport to their home state according to N.J.S.A. 39:3-4b.
- A non-resident purchasing through a private sale in New Jersey must obtain a temporary non-resident registration at an MVC agency before operating the vehicle.
- Commercial carriers transporting empty trucks or trailers between terminals register under Code 59 (In Transit Empty) through the MVC Government Unit.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in New Jersey?
- Gather required documents: assigned title or manufacturer’s certificate of origin, proof of insurance meeting New Jersey financial responsibility requirements, and valid photo identification.
- Choose the line: a licensed NJ dealer processes issuance at the point of sale; non-resident buyers from private sales visit an MVC agency location.
- Submit the application: dealers print the plate through the E-Temp Tag system; MVC applicants complete Form BA-49 in person.
- Pay the fee described in the next section.
- Receive the plate: dealers print and mount it immediately; MVC agencies issue non-resident registration at the counter.
Non-resident applicants use Form BA-49, available at any MVC agency.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in New Jersey?
| Class | Fee | Additional | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Dealer (Resident) | $5.50 | None | Buyer (if dealer passes on) |
| Temporary Dealer (Non-Resident) | $7.50 | None | Buyer (if dealer passes on) |
| Second Temporary | $5.50 or $7.50 | $25 elevated fee | Dealer passes to MVC |
| Temporary Non-Resident | $5 | None | Non-resident buyer |
| In Transit Empty | According to BA-49 schedule | None | Carrier |
Dealers may pass the E-Temp Tag fee to the buyer in the buyer’s retail order as currently published by NJ MVC.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in New Jersey?
No. Individual buyers cannot purchase a temporary plate online in New Jersey.
Licensed dealers use the E-Temp Tag system on njportal.com to electronically generate and print temporary plates. The system operates 24/7 and accepts credit card or e-check payments from dealer accounts.
Non-resident buyers from private sales must visit an MVC agency in person. Appointments can be scheduled through the MVC facility locator.
For standard vehicle purchases, the dealer-issued temporary plate at the point of sale is the primary route and does not require a separate MVC visit.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in New Jersey?
| Class | Validity Period | Geographic Restriction | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Dealer (Resident) | 30 days from issuance | None | Second temporary only if title delay |
| Temporary Dealer (Non-Resident) | 30 days from issuance | Continental US and Canada | Second temporary only if title delay |
| Second Temporary | 30 days beyond original | Same as original | None |
| Temporary Non-Resident | 30 days from issuance | Continental US only | Cannot be renewed |
| In Transit Empty | Annual (12 months) | None | Annual renewal |
Operating an unregistered vehicle after expiration violates N.J.S.A. 39:3-4, subjecting to a fine up to $100.