['Registration and Permits - Motor Carrier']
['Registration']
04/21/2025
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All vehicles engaging in intrastate commerce in New Jersey must be IRP apportioned or registered in this state. All vehicles primarily garaged, domiciled, and maintained, in New Jersey must be registered in New Jersey.
A Corporation Code (corpcode) issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission is required to title/register a vehicle primarily garaged in New Jersey. The 15 digit corpcode is required for all registration transactions. Registration is made on Form BA-8 available at http://www.state.nj.us/mvcbiz/.
USDOT Number: A USDOT number is required to register a commercial motor vehicle in New Jersey. Carriers operating solely intrastate must have the DOT number to register their vehicle(s), but are not required to display the number on the vehicle.
Owners of vehicles leased to another carrier must have a DOT number to register the vehicle. The USDOT number issued to owner-operators leased to carriers is a “registrant” number, identifying owner operator as an entity who registers commercial motor vehicles. A registrant DOT number does not provide the operating authority to function as a carrier. The “registrant” number should not be displayed on the vehicle; when leased to a carrier, the owner-operator is operating under the carrier’s authority and must display the carrier’s DOT number.
Registration is required on an annual basis and registration renewal is staggered over the course of 12 months. Truck registration fees are based upon a flat rate imposed on the power unit and its maximum permitted gross weight, including both the vehicle and its load. The maximum gross weight that a vehicle can legally transport is determined either by the registered gross vehicle weight or by axle weight limitations and vehicle configuration.
When an owner of a motor vehicle titled and registered in New Jersey transfers ownership of the motor vehicle, another motor vehicle must be registered within five days to use the unexpired portion of the registration period.
If another motor vehicle is not registered to replace the transferred (sold) vehicle, the plate must be surrendered to the Motor Vehicle Commission within five days of the transfer of ownership.
License plate display
When two plates are issued, they are displayed on the front and the rear of the vehicle. If one plate is issued, it is displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
Reciprocity
New Jersey grants full reciprocity to all carriers from non-IRP jurisdictions who are properly registered and licensed in their base jurisdiction. In addition, a special reciprocity law offers immunity from payment of New Jersey vehicle registration fees to operators if vehicles properly registered in jurisdictions which offer the same immunity to vehicles properly registered in New Jersey.
International Registration Plan
New Jersey is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is a base state system for vehicle registration fees allowing a carrier to apply for vehicle registration and pay fees to a single jurisdiction.
The registration year in New Jersey is staggered. Proof of title is required prior to registration. Buses and power units require apportioned registration in New Jersey.
Online IRP renewal: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission allows Online registration renewal for trucks enrolled in the International Registration Plan (IRP). To reach the online renewal service, go to the MVS web site at www.state.nj.us/mvc/. Carriers will need to provide their “PIN” and account number. The Online renewal process allows payment of renewal fees by credit card, or the billing statement may be printed and payment provided by mail. Payment by credit card requires a service fee. Credit card payments are recorded in the database in real time. As soon as the transaction occurs, the MVC registration database is updated. Whether owners pay by mail or by credit card, renewal credentials are mailed within seven days of the state’s receipt of payment.
Temporary Permit: New Jersey provides temporary permits to New Jersey-based carriers if the account is in good standing. An application fee is charged for a temporary permit. The application requires a complete vehicle description and owner information as well as other information required by the IRP. The temporary permit is valid for 72-hours from the time of issuance. If a registrant is issued temporary authority, that registrant has 72 hours to submit a supplemental application for permanent apportioned registration for the vehicle that the temporary permit was issued.
Hunter's Permit: A hunter's permit is a permit issued to an owner-operator (lessor) who terminates a lease and has to surrender the apportioned plates and cab card to the carrier (lessee). The permit enables a vehicle or combination of vehicles to use the highways in all jurisdictions for the purpose of locating a new job. A hunter's permit is valid only if the vehicle or combination of vehicles is operating unladen. It is not transferable. The permit is valid for 10 days.
Agency: Motor Vehicle Commission; see Regulatory Agencies for address(es).
Fees
Registration fee schedules available for buses, and all vehicles except buses.
['Registration and Permits - Motor Carrier']
['Registration']
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Copyright 2025 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.