Registration refunds

The MVC does not generally issue refunds. However, there are special circumstances that may qualify.


Special military refund

• If you enter the U.S. Armed Forces and have a valid New Jersey registration, you can get a refund for the remainder of the registration period
• To obtain a refund:
  • Return the original registration
  • Complete and return a refund form (RU-9)
  • Write a letter stating the reason you are requesting a refund along with proof of service

Other registration refunds
Initial Plates:

• New license plate fees are refundable if the plates have never been attached to a vehicle and no dealership was involved
• To obtain a refund:
  • Return the plates and original registration
  • Write a letter stating the reason you are requesting a refund, or complete and return a refund form (RU-9)
• Note: Do NOT surrender the plates or the registration at an MVC Agency or Regional Service Center. Plates and registration must be mailed to Trenton in order to receive a refund
• Mail all requests to:
  
  
  Motor Vehicle Commission
  Refund Unit
  P.O. Box 016
  Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0016

Sold Vehicle:

• If you sell a vehicle before the new registration year goes into effect and want to obtain a refund please take the following action:
  • If the license plates have not already been surrendered, turn them in to any MVC Agency or Regional Service Center (do not surrender the registration)
  • Return a copy of the surrendered plate receipt and original registration
  • Provide proof of the date the vehicle was sold
  • Write a letter stating the dates of the registration renewal and the reason you are applying for a refund or complete the refund form (RU-9)

• If you mistakenly paid twice for the same registration please do the following:
  • Return one original registration along with a photocopy of the second
  • If you received only one document, return a photocopy of the registration in your possession and a photocopy of your canceled checks (front and back)
  • If you paid by money order, return proof that the money order was cashed by the Division and a photocopy of the registration in your possession
  • Write a letter stating the reason you are applying for a refund or complete the refund form (RU-9)
  • The RU-9 refund form is available at any MVC Agency. You may also call toll free (888) 486-3339 in New Jersey or (609) 292-6500 from out-of-state to request a refund form
    

PAAD-Lifeline-SSI Recipient:

• If you were entitled to an exemption from Transportation Trust Fund fees and you mistakenly paid them, this is how you can get a refund:
• Return a photocopy of your registration
• Attach a photocopy of your PAAD card or SSI/Lifeline card or Lifeline eligibility letter
• The photocopy submitted must cover the renewal period.  For example, if the registration was renewed for July, the card or letter must cover the month of July
• Write a letter stating the reason you are applying for a refund or complete the refund form (RU-9)
• Note: The PAAD card, SSI/Lifeline card or Lifeline letter must be in the same name listed on the lease agreement or registration to qualify

For overpayment or for other reasons not covered in the above categories

• Write a detailed letter stating why you’re requesting a refund or complete the refund form (RU-9)
• Include photocopies of all documents. The request will be reviewed and you will be notified
• Note: MVC does not grant partial or pro rated refunds for unused portions of the registration except for members of the military.
• All requests for registration refunds should be mailed to:
  
  
  Motor Vehicle Commission
  Refund Unit
  P.O. Box 016
  Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0016
  
  
• All Refund request forms may be obtained at any MVC location or you may call toll free in New Jersey (888) 486-3339 (in NJ) or (609) 292-6500 from out-of-state