Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Includes every type of motorized vehicle used for commercial purposes, such as transportation of goods, wares, and merchandise (N.J.S.A. 39:3-20). Heavy Use commercial vehicles (registered 55,000 lbs. or more) must upload the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) for online renewal.

Plates:
• Display the word "commercial".
• Numerals are prefixed by the letter "X" or any other prefix designated by the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission.

Required lettering (clearly visible sign or nameplate (as prescribed by N.J.S.A. 39:4-46) that must contain the following):

• The name of the owner, lessee, or lessor of the vehicle.
• The name of the municipality in which the owner, lessee or lessor has their principal place of business.
• The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the combined gross vehicle weight rating if vehicle is 26,001 pounds or more and the vehicle is registered or principally garaged in New Jersey.
• Lettering height must be at least three inches.

• Franchised public utilities and operators of fleets of 50 or more commercial vehicles shall be exempted from displaying the name of the municipality, provided that their vehicles display a corporate identification number.
• You can acquire a Federal DOT registration number online or by calling the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at (703) 280-4001.

Taxi (Code 13)

Includes all motor vehicles used for transportation of passengers for hire, excluding school buses, omnibuses, and limousine vehicles.

Plates:
• Used for taxis or displays the word "Taxicab"

Special conditions:
• The applicant must present an original letter of authorization or certificate from the local municipality where the vehicle will be operated.
• Letter of Authorization or City Certificates must be uploaded for online renewal.

Limousine (Code 14)

An automobile with a capacity of no more than 14 passengers (not including the driver) or stretched not more than 4 passenger seats more than originally manufactured, as stated on secondary manufacturer's plate used for charter at a premium fare.

Plates:
• Used for charter operation only and displays the word "Limousine".

Special conditions:
• Can be used for lease or hire.
• Limos cannot be operated on a route. Any for-hire vehicle that operates on a route is classified as either a bus or jitney.
• Vehicles used as limousines should not be registered as taxis.
• If a vehicle is used for a carpool and is paid compensation, the vehicle must be registered as a limousine.
• For all initial, transfer and renewal transactions, the applicant must provide a license to operate issued by the municipality.
• Insurance Certificate must be provided reflecting the following:
  • Name of the Insurance Company
  • Policy Number
  • Date of Expiration of the Policy
  • Must reflect a minimum liability insurance of $1.5 million
  • Description of all vehicles covered
  • The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission must be listed as the certificate holder

  Aggregate Haulers (Code 16)

  Any commercial motor vehicle used in the business of hauling aggregate - ready-mix cement, stone, clean fill, etc.

  All requirements are the same as those for Code 11 vehicles. Vehicle may only be used to haul aggregate as defined above. Heavy Use commercial vehicles (registered 55,000 lbs. or more) must upload the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) for online renewal.

  School Bus (Codes 17, 18)

  • Code 17: any vehicle with a seating capacity of 16 or more, including the driver.
  • Code 18: any vehicle with a seating capacity of less than 16, including the driver.
  Plates:
  • Code 17 plates display "school vehicle" and begin or end with "S1".
  • Code 18 plates display "school vehicle" and begin or end with "S2".
  Special conditions:
  • Plates expire 11 months from the date of issue on the initial transaction only.
  • All renewals expire 12 months from date of registration.
  • A vehicle registered as a School Vehicle I or II may only be used to transport enrolled children and adults serving as chaperones to or from:
    • School
    • School-related activity
    • Day camp
    • Summer day camp
    • Nursery school
    • Child-care center
    • Pre-school
    • Similar places of education

    At the time of inspection, vehicles must comply with regulations from:

    • The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
    • The New Jersey Department of Education

    Four-Year Commercial Trailer (Code 19)

    A trailer or non-title trailer used for commercial purposes and request is made for a four-year registration.

    Plates:
    • A trailer plate bears the prefix letter "T".
    Commercial Lettering:
    • See requirements under Commercial Truck or Tractor (Code 11).
    • Commercial trailer GVW is 0; total weight is displayed on towing vehicle.

    Commercial Trailer (Code 21)

    Every vehicle with or without motor power, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle.

    Four types:
    • Trailer
    • Non-titled trailer
    • Mobile Home
    • Bogey
    Plate:
    • A trailer plate bears the prefix letter "T".

    Commercial Motorcycle (Code 24)

    Code 24 includes the following vehicles that are used on the highways for commercial purposes (i.e. transportation of goods, wares and merchandise):

    • Motorcycles
    • Motorbikes
    • Bicycles with motor attached
    • Motor-operated vehicles (of a bicycle or tricycle type)
    Plates:
    • Code 24 plates display the word "Commercial" and numerals are prefixed by the letter "X".

    Farm Truck (Code 31)

    A vehicle engaged in the transportation of farm products or farm supplies produced or raised on the owner’s farm. Farm trucks cannot engage in hauling for hire.

    Plates:
    • Plates used for Code 31 display the word "Farmer" and begin with the prefix "XY" or "XZ".
    Vehicles require a clearly visible sign or name plate that contains:
    • Name of owner, renter or renting party.
    • Municipality of residence.
    • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), if applicable, or the combined GVWR if it is 26,001 pounds or more and the vehicle is registered or principally garaged in New Jersey.
    • Lettering at least three inches high.
    Special conditions:
    • A farmer is any person engaged in the commercial raising, growing and producing of farm products on a farm not less than five acres in area.
    • Farm products include crops, livestock and fur products.
    • Farm supplies include farm-related supply or repair items.
    • Applicant must present a current Agricultural Certificate obtained from a county agricultural agent that will be returned to the applicant once the transaction is completed.
    • Agricultural Certificates must be uploaded for online renewal.
    • Plates expire 11 months from the date of issue on initial transactions.
    • All renewals are valid for 12 months.
    • A farm truck may not engage in hauling for hire.
    • A farm truck may be operated under contract with a municipality to remove snow.

    Light–Medium Weight Tow Truck (Code 32)

    A vehicle engaged in towing weighing less than 32,000 lbs.

    Special conditions:
    • Provide a valid Certificate of Insurance for a minimum liability of $750,000.
    • The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission must be listed as the certificate holder
    • Documentation of manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (either a manufacturer’s statement of origin (MSO) or owner/lessee certification on the Application for Tow Truck Decals (Form BA-49T available online or at motor vehicle agencies).
    • Certificate of Insurance and BA-49T must be uploaded for online renewal.

    Heavy Duty Tow Truck (Code 33)

    A vehicle engaged in towing weighing more than 32,000 lbs.

    Special conditions:
    • Provide a valid Certificate of Insurance for a minimum of $1,000,000.
    • The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission must be listed as the certificate holder
    • Documentation of manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (either a manufacturer’s statement of origin (MSO) or owner/lessee certification on form BA-49T).
    • Certificate of Insurance and BA-49T must be uploaded for online renewal. If the tow truck is registered with a weight of 55,000 lbs. or more, you must upload the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) for online renewal.

    Solid Waste (Code 39)

    All vehicles engaged in solid waste disposal (trash collection) with the registration weight ceilings of:

    • 42,000 pounds for a two-axle vehicle
    • 60,000 pounds for:
      • Tandem three-axle vehicle
      • Four-axle vehicle
      • Four-axle tractor-trailer combination
      Plates:
      • Regular commercial plates that begin with "X".
      Special conditions:
      • Applicant must hold a "Certificate of Convenience and Necessity" issued by the Board of Public Utility Commissioners.
      • Any vehicle registered as Code 39 Solid Waste may also be dually registered as Code 41 Constructor, but the owner of the vehicle must present a photocopy of the title and pay the full fee for the Code 41 registration.
      • The applicant will have two different sets of plates and two registrations for the vehicle. Both sets of plates must be displayed on the vehicle and both registrations must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
      • Vehicles registered as a Solid Waste Disposal Vehicle shall be limited to the allowable gross weight as shown on the registration certificate.
      • Certificate of Convenience and Necessity must be uploaded for online renewal. If the vehicle is registered with a weight of 55,000 lbs. or more, you must upload the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) for online renewal.

      Constructor (Code 41)

      All vehicles with a gross weight between 41,000 and 70,000 pounds with satisfactory proof that the applicant is engaged in construction work or in the business of supplying and/or transporting material such as dirt, concrete, wood, bricks, pipes, etc., or is using such registered vehicle for construction work.

      Plates:
      • Plates are regular commercial plates and begin with the prefix "X".
      Restrictions:
      • Vehicles cannot operate on a highway at a speed greater than 45 miles per hour when carrying a load under 50 percent of the registered gross weight.
      • Vehicle cannot exceed 30 miles (air mile radius) when carrying a load over 50 percent of the registered gross weight.
      • Special conditions (dual registration):
      • Any vehicle registered as a Code 41 Constructor may also be dually registered as a Code 39 Solid Waste. The owner of the vehicle must present a photocopy of the title and pay the full fee for Code 39 Solid Waste.
      • Proof of Business Engagement must be uploaded for online renewal. If the vehicle is registered with a weight of 55,000 lbs. or more, you must upload the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) for online renewal.
      • The owner will have two different sets of plates and two registrations for the vehicle. Both sets of plates must be displayed on the vehicle and both registrations must always be carried in the vehicle.

      Farm Use (farm machinery or implements) (Code 51)

      Farm-use vehicles not for hire and used exclusively as farm machinery or farm implements to travel from one part of the farm to another across or along a public road for short distances.

      Vehicles that do not exceed a speed of 20 mph are exempt from registration.

      Plates:
      • Plates must display the words "FARM USE".
      • First letter of the alpha­numeric combination will be "F".
      • Registration will be staggered throughout the current registration year.
      • The MVC issues only one plate for Code 51 registrations to affix to the back of the vehicle (Code 31 Farmer Vehicle registrations are issued two plates).
      Restrictions:
      • Code 51 vehicles may not pull more than one vehicle used exclusively on the farm.
      • Vehicle may not be operated on the highway between sunset and sunrise and must remain within a 15-mile radius of the home farm.
      • Code 51 equipment may pull machinery while in transit from one farm to another without additional registration for machinery.
      • Applicant must present farm certificate obtained from the county agricultural agent on initial, transfer and renewal transactions (Certificates are returned to applicant).

      Agricultural Tractor (Code 52)

      An agricultural tractor registration is used to allow farm tractors and traction equipment for farm operation to travel on the public highways. Also permitted under this code are vehicles with permanently mounted well-drilling or impregnating machines. These vehicles must have rubber wheels.
      Vehicles that do not exceed 20 mph are exempt from registration.

      Plates:
      • Plates must display the word "Tractor" and the first letter on the plate will be "T".
      • Applicant must present a current Agricultural Certificate obtained from county agricultural agent that will be returned to the applicant after the transaction is completed.
      • Agricultural Certificate must be uploaded for online registration.
      Special conditions:
      • Code 52 equipment may pull machinery while in transit from one farm to another without an additional registration for the machinery.

      Omnibus and Passenger Vehicle Transportation (PVT) (Code 54)

      Includes all motor vehicles used for the transportation of passengers for hire, except school buses, limousines, and taxis.

      Omnibus 1 are traditional route buses, charter buses and special operation buses as defined in N.J.S.A. 48:4-1. They must be inspected biannually by the MVC’s Bus Inspection Unit.

      Plates for Omnibus 1:
      • Plates must display the word "Omnibus" and begin with the letter "O".
      Special conditions:
      • For all initial transactions, applicants must provide the MVC with a copy of the Autobus Certificate of Compliance (MC-9) and the Authorization to Issue of Renew License Plates (MC-12), which are obtained after the vehicle has successfully passed a New Jersey Omnibus Specification Inspection including the Safety and Emissions inspections performed by the MVC's Division of Operations Bus Unit.
      • Non-profit organizations should refer to the MVC’s Government Unit (609-292-6500 ext. 5076) for license plates.
      • Renewal transactions require the MC-12 only.

      Omnibus 2 are motor vehicles both owned and operated by a company or individual that provides passenger transportation to a target audience or a specific market that is comprised of its own constituents, that is not in competition with a publicly regulated transit or charter service and does not collect fares, whether directly or indirectly, from the general public. The transportation services provided by such a business entity or individual to the type of target audience as envisioned herein are done so as an in-house courtesy that is incidental to its primary business focus, in contrast to the type of "for hire" passenger-related transactions engaged in by a company whose business is that of a passenger transportation provider. These vehicles must be inspected annually for safety and emissions at either an Inspection Station or Private Inspection Facility (PIF).

      Plates for Omnibus 2:
      • The Omnibus 2 Vehicles will be issued license plates beginning with the letter “O” and number 2 along with the remaining four (4) alpha or numeric characters.
      Special conditions:
      • All initial transaction information can be found on www.njmvc.gov/pvtandyou in the related links (Omnibus 2 information) or by calling the MVC’s Operations Bus Unit at 609-984-9362 or 609-633-9473.
      • For all renewal and transfer transactions, applicant must provide the MVC Agency with the owners Certificated of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) as an “OMNIBUS 2 CARRIER”.
      • Non-profit organizations should refer to the MVC’s Government Unit (609-292-6500 ext. 5076) for license plates.
      • PVT vehicles include: ambulance, hotel buses, jitneys, mobility assistance vehicles and para-transit vehicles. These vehicles provide transportation to targeted audiences or markets. PVT Definitions can be found on the www.njmvc.gov/pvtandyou in related links (PVT Definitions). These vehicles must be inspected annually for safety and emissions at either an Inspection Station or Private Inspection Facility (PIF).

      Passenger Vehicle Transportation (PVT):

      Plates for Passenger Vehicle Transportation (PVT):
      • PVT vehicles will be issued a license plate with the first (1st) character as the letter “O” and second (2nd) character will be the first letter of the vehicle type and four (4) remaining characters will either be alpha or numeric.
      Special conditions:
      • For all initial and transfer transactions, applicant must provide the MVC with all proper required documents that can be found online at www.njmvc.gov/pvtandyou.

      Non-profit organizations should refer to the MVC’s Government Unit (609-292-6500 ext. 5076) for license plates.

      Note: All commercial and transit buses will be given an Autobus Certificate of Compliance (MC-9) and an Authorization to Issue or Renew License Plates (MC-12) prior to the initial registration from the MVC's Division of Operations Bus Unit. Before the registration can be renewed, they must obtain an MC-12 from the MVC’s Division of Operations Bus Unit.

      Contractor Equipment In-Transit (Code 56)

      Any person, partnership or corporation may obtain general registration and plates with the word "temporary" or "in-transit" with regards to:

      • Road building machinery
      • Traction engines
      • Rollers or other machinery of the kind owned or controlled by it.
      Plates:
      • Plates used for Code 56 must display the words "CONTRACTOR EQUIPMENT IN-TRANSIT".
      • Plates will be issued in bundles of five sets (10 plates) with hyphenated numbers thru five.
      Restrictions/Limitations:
      • In-transit plates are to be used on vehicles/equipment such as:
        • Road-building machinery
        • Backhoes
        • Front end loaders
        • Well drilling equipment (including any necessary attachments)
        • Cranes
        • Arrow boards
        • Chippers/Shredders
        • Cement mixers
        • Compressors
        Insurance requirements:
        • The Certificate of Insurance must contain the following information:
          • Name and address of the insured.
          • Policy number and valid expiration date.
          • Proper coverage.
          • List all equipment registered.
          Initial registrations:
          • Complete the application for vehicle registration (BA-49) and include the following:
          • Owner information.
          • Authorized signature, indicating the title of office.
          • Leave vehicle description blank.
          • Provide a valid Certificate of Insurance or photocopy.
          • Pay the initial registration fee.
          • All Code 56 registrations have an expiration date of March.
          • Title issuance and sales tax are not applicable to the issuance of Code 56 registrations.
          Renewal registrations:
          • Complete application for vehicle registration (BA-49).
          • Provide a valid Certificate of Insurance or photocopy. Must be uploaded for online renewal.
          • Pay the renewal registration fee.
          Replacement plates:
          • Complete application for registration (BA-49).
          • Provide a valid Accord Certificate of Insurance or photocopy.
          • Pay replacement plate fee.
          Duplicate registrations:
          • Complete application for vehicle registration (BA-49).
          • Provide a valid Accord Certificate of Insurance or photocopy.
          • Up to five registrations may be issued as duplicates.
          • Pay the replacement plate fee

          Migrant farm worker (Code 58)

          Vehicle is used for the transportation of persons for hire, compensation or profit and used for businesses operated within this State to transport property.

          A special permit must be obtained during the period of "seasonal employment in the agricultural pursuits" as defined by the division.
          To apply for a special permit:

          • Present a migrant farm worker certification available from the County Agricultural Agent or New Jersey Employee Service Office.
          • Complete application with your boss' agricultural number inserted on the application.
          • If the application is obtained at a New Jersey Employment Service, the office manager must vouch for the applicant.
            • Cross out "EMPLOYED BY ME" and insert "NEW JERSEY".
            • Cross out "NAME OF FARMER AND CERTIFICATE NUMBER" and insert office manager's name, title and branch office name.
            Special conditions:
            • Permit expires November 30th.
            • Permit may not be used as a driver license.
            • Farm Worker Certificate must be uploaded for online renewal.

            In-Transit empty (Code 59)

            Includes:
            • Empty trucks
            • Trailers
            • Semi-trailers
            • Mobile and manufactured homes transported from one terminal to another or from the place of sale to the registrant's terminal or place of business or homes that are empty and being transported for the purpose of having additional equipment added or lettering affixed per statute 39:3-20.

            Farm labor transport (Code 99)

            Applies to vehicles in the commercial category that are used for the transportation of migrant farm workers to and from New Jersey farms.

            Plates:
            • Code 99 plates must display the word "Commercial"
            • Numerals will be prefixed by the letter "X" or any designation by the director
            Required lettering:
            • All vehicles must have the wording "farm labor transport" on both sides with letters in the rear at least 6 inches high.
            Special conditions:
            • Driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a commercial license (Class B or C) with a passenger endorsement or equivalent from his or her home state.
            • Vans or buses without windows may not be used as farm labor transport.
            • Vehicle must be insured with liability insurance for bodily injury or death.
            • Proof of insurance must always be in the vehicle.
            • Vehicle must be inspected annually during the month of registration renewal and prior to use for transport purposes.
            • Inspection must be performed at a state-operated inspection station.
            • Name and address of the owner must also be placed on vehicle and the vehicle’s GVWR if over 26,000 pounds.
            • Passengers cannot be charged a transportation fee.
            • Must have a notarized affidavit attesting that the vehicle will only be used for transporting immigrant farm workers to and from New Jersey farms.