New Jersey Introduces Electronic Vehicle Registration and Direct Leased Vehicle Registration Renewals

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) has announced the implementation of a new law allowing motorists to display electronic proof of vehicle registration. The law, signed by Governor Phil Murphy in November 2021, also enables the direct renewal of leased vehicle registrations.

NJMVC Acting Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd stated that electronic vehicle registration could be displayed on smartphones or other electronic devices. While paper registrations will still be issued and recognized as valid, they are no longer the sole option for drivers needing to provide proof of registration.

As of March 24, 2023, customers completing an online renewal or duplicate registration transaction with the Commission will receive an emailed PDF file of their vehicle registration. This document can be printed, saved, or downloaded to display on devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. The NJMVC will continue to mail paper hard copies of vehicle registration cards to motorists' addresses.

Both paper and electronic forms of registration are valid for presentation to law enforcement, courts, or any other entity requiring a valid New Jersey vehicle registration.

The law also includes a provision for direct renewal of leased vehicle registrations. Registration renewal applications will now be sent directly to lessees of leased vehicles, and lessees will no longer need a Power of Attorney (POA) from lessors to renew registrations. The direct renewal can be done online, by mail, or through an appointment with the NJMVC.

This change benefits over 820,000 leased vehicle drivers in New Jersey, who previously faced challenges securing proper documentation for timely registration renewal. The Commission expects over 60% of impacted customers to renew their registrations online, reducing paper waste and eliminating the need for in-person visits.

The leased vehicle registration renewal changes are effective for registrations expiring in April 2023 and are limited to vehicles with auto passenger registration codes 7, 8, and 15.

Additionally, the NJMVC has transitioned four more locations to hybrid agencies, servicing both in-person license and vehicle transactions. These hybrid agencies aim to better serve customers and address operational concerns related to customer demand and population density differences.