Where and How to Return Your Plates

You can return New Jersey license plates at any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office during business hours. Walk in with your plates and hand them to the clerk at the counter — no appointment needed. If you cannot visit in person, you can mail your plates to the MVC's central office in Trenton, though returning them in person is faster and gives you a receipt on the spot.

The MVC office address for mail returns is: Motor Vehicle Commission, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625. Include a note with your name, driver's license number, and vehicle identification number (VIN) so the MVC can match the plates to your record. Mail takes one to two weeks to arrive, so if you need confirmation quickly, visit a local office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Return plates in person at any MVC office, or mail them to the Trenton address with your name and driver's license number included.
  • You do not have to remove the plates yourself — the MVC will do it if you bring the car, though most people remove them beforehand.
  • Returning plates does not automatically cancel your registration; you must request cancellation separately or it will renew on its own.
  • If your plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, report this to the MVC instead of trying to return them.
  • Keep your receipt from the return as proof you no longer own the vehicle, especially if you are selling it.

When You Need to Return Plates

Return your plates when you sell your vehicle, trade it in, or stop using it permanently. If you are moving out of state, you do not have to return New Jersey plates, but you should surrender them if you are no longer a New Jersey resident and will not be driving the vehicle here again.

If your vehicle is totaled or declared a loss by your insurance company, the insurance company may handle the plate return as part of the settlement. Check your settlement paperwork or call your insurer to confirm who is responsible. If you are responsible, you still return them the same way — in person or by mail.

What Happens to Your Registration

Returning plates does not automatically cancel your vehicle registration. Your registration will continue to renew each year unless you actively cancel it. To cancel, you must submit form BA-60 (process for Registration Cancellation) to the MVC at the same time you return your plates, or within a few days afterward.

You can read form BA-60 from the MVC website or pick one up at any MVC office. Fill it out with your name, address, vehicle information, and the reason for cancellation. Submit it with your plates or mail it separately. Without this form, you may receive renewal notices and bills even though you no longer own the vehicle.

Returning Plates When You Sell Your Car

If you are selling your vehicle privately, remove the plates before handing over the car to the buyer. The buyer will register the vehicle in their name and get new plates. You return your old plates to the MVC and cancel your registration using form BA-60.

If you are trading in your vehicle at a dealership, the dealership usually handles the plate return and registration cancellation as part of the sale. Ask the dealership in writing whether they will handle this, and request a receipt or confirmation once it is done. If they do not, you are still responsible for returning the plates yourself within a reasonable time.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Plates

If your plates are lost or stolen, do not try to return them. Instead, report the loss to the MVC and request replacement plates. You can do this online through the MVC website, by phone, or in person at an MVC office. Provide your driver's license number and vehicle information.

If your plates are damaged but still readable, you can return them and request replacements at the same visit. If they are so damaged that the numbers are not visible, the MVC may not accept them, but you can still request new plates. There is a small fee for replacement plates, usually under $10.

MVC Office Locations and Hours

New Jersey has MVC offices in most counties. The largest offices are in Newark, Trenton, and Atlantic City, but smaller offices exist in towns like Paterson, Jersey City, and Vineland. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some Saturday hours at select locations.

Check the MVC website for the office nearest you and confirm hours before you go. Some offices are busier than others — early morning or mid-week visits usually mean shorter waits. If you are mailing your plates, you do not need to check hours, but allow two to three weeks for processing.

What to Bring

Bring your license plates and a valid photo ID (driver's license or passport). If you are canceling your registration at the same time, bring the completed form BA-60. If you are returning plates for a vehicle you no longer own, bring proof of sale or the bill of sale if you have it — this is not required but helps the MVC update their records faster.

If you are mailing your plates, include a copy of your driver's license with your name and address clearly visible. Do not send your original license. Write your name, address, and phone number on the outside of the envelope so the MVC can contact you if there is a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to remove the plates myself before returning them?

No. You can bring the vehicle to an MVC office and the staff will remove the plates for you. However, most people remove them beforehand to save time. If you remove them yourself, you will need a screwdriver or drill — plates are held on with two bolts.

What if I sold my car but the new owner never registered it?

Return your plates and cancel your registration anyway. Keep the bill of sale or receipt showing the date and buyer's name. If the vehicle is involved in an accident or traffic violation after you sold it, you have proof you no longer owned it. The new owner is responsible for registering it in their name.

Can I return plates by email or phone?

No. The MVC requires plates to be returned in person or by mail. You cannot email photos of plates or call to report them returned. Mail is the only remote option, and it takes longer than visiting an office.

Is there a fee to return license plates?

No. Returning plates is free. There is no charge for canceling your registration either. If you need replacement plates for a different vehicle, that costs money, but returning old plates does not.

What if I moved out of state — do I still have to return my New Jersey plates?

You do not have to, but you should if you will not be driving in New Jersey again. If you keep them, your registration will continue to renew and you may receive bills. If you have moved permanently, returning them and canceling your registration is cleaner and prevents confusion later.