Moving to New Jersey

New Jersey costs more than most states.

• The MERIC first quarter 2026 series put the cost of living index at 118.8, ranked 45th, with housing at 144.3.
• The Tax Foundation puts the effective property tax rate on owner-occupied homes at 1.88 percent, the highest in the nation.
• Property taxes bring in 39.1 percent of state and local tax revenue.
• Income tax rates run from 1.40 percent to 10.75 percent, and the state sales tax is 6.625 percent.

Electricity is one place where the average bill is lower.

• In EIA 2024 data, the average New Jersey home used about 662 kWh a month, against about 863 nationally.
• The price was higher, about 19.3 cents per kWh against about 16.5 cents.
• The average bill came to about $128, below the national average of about $142.
• If you buy or rent a home, ask about the property tax bill and the ANCHOR property tax relief program.

Transfer your driver license within 60 days

Transfer your license within 60 days of your move. If your current license expires sooner, transfer it before it expires. Make an appointment for a transfer from out-of-state at an MVC agency. Buy a $10 transfer permit there. If your license is valid, non-provisional, and in good standing, you skip the knowledge and road tests. You surrender your old license and get a four-year New Jersey license.

Bring 6 Points of ID and proof of address

Bring documents that add up to 6 Points of ID. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. Also bring proof of your New Jersey address. A REAL ID needs two proofs of address, and a standard license needs one. Bring your Social Security number and complete Form BA-208.

Title and register your vehicle within 60 days

Make a New Title or Registration appointment. Bring your ID, the original title, and insurance information. Also bring Form OS/SS-UTA and Form BA-49. If a lender holds your title, send Form OS/SS-54 to the lender first. The title fee is $60, or $85 with one lien. You do not pay sales tax if you bought, titled, and registered the vehicle in another state as a nonresident.

Take the vehicle for inspection after you register

New Jersey inspects most vehicles every two years. A vehicle less than five model years old can get a five-year exemption. In that case MVC gives you a green card (Form SS-19) when you register. Take the vehicle to a State Inspection Station to get the decal. For an older vehicle, ask MVC when you register when the first inspection is due. Bring your license, registration, and New Jersey insurance identification card to the inspection. Bring the original license and registration. You can show the insurance card on your phone.

Choose a Standard or Basic auto policy

New Jersey has two main auto policies, Standard and Basic. Both meet the legal minimum. For a Standard Policy issued or renewed from January 1, 2026, bodily injury liability starts at $35,000 per person and $70,000 per accident. Property damage liability starts at $25,000. The Basic Policy costs less. It has $5,000 of property damage liability and $15,000 of personal injury protection (PIP). It does not include bodily injury liability unless you add it.

Register to vote at least 21 days before an election

The registration deadline is 21 days before an election. You must be a resident of your county 30 days before the election. You can register at an MVC agency when you transfer your license.