If you live in New Jersey, you must title and register your vehicle before driving it on the road. This requirement ensures that information about any car on New Jersey roads is accessible online. If you plan to buy a used car in New Jersey, it's wise to learn more about the vehicle beforehand.
You can obtain information about a used car in New Jersey online for free. Before making a purchase, perform a free license plate lookup online. VinFreeCheck is a website that provides access to a motor vehicle report database in New Jersey. With this free search, you can discover everything about the car you're interested in, including the salvage report, accurate odometer reading, and the vehicle's usage history. A vehicle history report is the best way to protect you from any potential scam or fraud.
Insider Info🕵🏼
New Jersey has the highest density of car dealerships in the United States. With its dense population and high demand for vehicles, the state boasts a large number of dealerships offering a wide variety of car brands and models .
Where Can I Find My Plate Number?
You can find your license plate attached to your vehicle.
Alternatively, look it up in your New Jersey Vehicle Registration Card or Document of Registration.
What's in the Lookup Report?
A license plate lookup provides comprehensive information about a specific car, including:
Previous Owners: Indicates the number of previous owners and provides insight into how the vehicle was used by each owner, without disclosing personal data, in compliance with the law.
Vehicle Specifications: Details the car's transmission type, engine capacity, and other technical and mechanical aspects you might want to know.
Market Value: Helps determine the car's current market value, allowing you to assess whether you are being overcharged or getting a fair deal.
Flood Records: Reveals if the car has been involved in a flood, which can cause permanent damage to various components, especially the engine. This information is vital as unresolved flood damage can lead to significant issues.
Accident Records: Provides a history of past accidents involving the car, highlighting potential unresolved issues. Coupled with an independent safety inspection, this information can help you identify any lingering problems before purchase.
Junk/Salvage Title Check: Indicates if the car has been written off as a total loss due to severe damage or if it has been scrapped for parts. Such vehicles often require costly repairs and may not be roadworthy.
Odometer Records: Addresses the issue of odometer fraud, where sellers might falsely report lower mileage. The report provides accurate odometer readings, helping you identify any discrepancies.
Lien Records: Shows if the car has been used as collateral for a debt, leased, or rented. Dealerships are legally required to clear existing liens before selling the car, and this report ensures any outstanding liens are brought to your attention.
Applying for License Plates in New Jersey
Motor vehicle registration and renewals in New Jersey are managed by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). To be eligible for vehicle registration, individuals must be at least 17 years old. Upon registration, vehicles are issued two license plates, one for the front and one for the rear. Motorcycles and trailers are the exception, requiring only one license plate.
The law mandates that all motor vehicles display license plates. If your license plates are lost or damaged, you must apply for replacements through the MVC. For stolen plates, you must first report the theft to the authorities and obtain an incident report, which is required when applying for new plates. For damaged plates, you need to surrender the old ones before receiving replacements.
Types of License Plates Available in New Jersey
The motor vehicle commission of New Jersey offers several types of license plates. They include:
- State issued standard license plates
- Personalized license plates
- Dedicated license plates like animal-friendly plates, organ donor plates, law enforcement memorial plates, Liberty State Park license plate, and agriculture license plates, among other specialized categories.
- Specialty or organizational license plates
- Sports license plates
- Disability license plates
Some of these license plate categories require special documentation for you to get them. Ensure you meet the criteria to improve your chances of having your application approved.
Disability License Plates in New Jersey
Persons living with disabilities qualify for disability placards and license plates. They are required to produce a doctor’s report to show that they are indeed living with a disability prior to application.
Disability placards must be displayed on the rearview mirror, and must be visible at all times.
Having this placard or license plate allows you to park your vehicle at designated disability parking spaces
Temporary License Plates in New Jersey
When you purchase a car in New Jersey, it may take a few days before your license plates are ready. In the mean time, you will be given temporary plates to be used until the DMV sends you the proper license plates directly to your home address.
Do note that the temporary plates are valid for 30 days from the issued date. Failure to switch plates after the time frame can result in penalties or fine from the local law enforcement.
Is the Data Legit and Legal?
Of course, it is! All information in the report are sourced from governmental entities such as the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).
We also completely adhere to the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), as we do not disclose information about the vehicle's owner personal details. Our license plate lookup does a reverse lookup to obtain the VIN number and query the vehicle history reports for it. Nothing in our report is personably identifiable to a particular individual.
Take note that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows any individual the right to access to information collected by the government. It's totally legit, legal and FREE!