Vehicle registration plates of New Jersey
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The U.S. state of New Jersey first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1908, when the state began to issue plates.[1]
As of 2024[update], plates are issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.
Validation
In 1999 the state tried re-validating plates with stickers, but that scheme ended in 2004 with stickers issued to expire in 2005. Some non-passenger plates stickers extended to 2010 with stickers issued to expire in 2011 (2014 for trailer plates only). Since then passenger and non-passenger plates have been re-validated with just the registration card issued to the driver.
Passenger baseplates
1908 to 1958
In 1956, the United States, Canada, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for license plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes.[2] The first New Jersey license plate that complied with these standards was a modification of the 1952 plate, introduced in 1956.
No slogans were used on passenger plates during the period covered by this subsection.
Image | First issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1908 | Cream-colored serial digits on individual dark blue flat metal panels inserted into metal frame; "N.J.", lead seal and "08" on single panel inserted at right | 12345 | 38001 to approximately 50500, plus reissues of pre-state serials | |
![]() | 1909 | White serial on black porcelain plate; "N.J", aluminum seal and "09" at right | 12345 | 1 to approximately 24000 | |
![]() | 1910 | Black serial on bright orange porcelain plate; "N.J", aluminum seal and "10" at left | 12345 | 1 to approximately 30000 | |
![]() | 1911 | Red serial on gray porcelain plate; "N.J", aluminum seal and "11" at right | 12345 | 1 to approximately 38000 | |
![]() | 1912 | Yellow serial on blue porcelain plate; "N.J", aluminum seal and "12" at left | 12345 | 1 to approximately 44000 | |
![]() | 1913 | Red serial on white porcelain plate; "N.J", aluminum seal and "13" at right | 12345 | 1 to approximately 50000 | |
![]() | 1914 | White serial on red porcelain plate; "N.J", aluminum seal and "14" at left | 12345 | 1 to approximately 61000 | |
![]() | 1915 | White serial on green porcelain plate; "N.J", aluminum seal and "15" at right | 12345 | 1 to approximately 78000 | |
1916 | Embossed white serial on brown plate; "NJ 16" at left | 12345 | 1 to 99999 | ||
A1234 | A1 to approximately A6800 | ||||
![]() | 1917 | Embossed white serial on blue plate; "NJ 17" at right | 12345 | 1 to 99999 | |
A1234 | A, B, N and O series; X1 to approximately X1900 | ||||
![]() | 1918 | Embossed blue serial on white plate; "N.J.-1918" centered at top | 123456 | 1 to approximately 149500 | |
![]() | 1919 | Embossed white serial on gray plate; "N.J.−1919" centered at top | 123456 | 1 to approximately 175500 | |
![]() | 1920 | Embossed white serial on brick red plate; "N.J.−1920" centered at top | 123456 | 1 to approximately 212500 | |
![]() | 1921 | Embossed white serial on forest green plate; "N.J.−1921" centered at top | 123456 | 1 to approximately 247500 | |
![]() | 1922 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "N.J.−1922" centered at top | 123456 | 1 to approximately 258500 | |
![]() | 1923 | Embossed orange serial on black plate; "N.J.—23" centered at top | 123456 | 1 to approximately 331500 | |
![]() | 1924 | Embossed white serial on red plate; "N.J.−1924" centered at top | 123456 | 1 to approximately 400000 | |
![]() | 1925 | Embossed silver serial on midnight blue plate; "N.J.—25" centered at top | 123456 | 1 to approximately 460500 | |
![]() | 1926 | Embossed white serial on orange plate; "N.J.−1926" centered at top | A12345 1E2345 | County-coded | Essex County used E in the second position following E99999; this practice continued through 1930.[3] |
![]() | 1927 | Embossed white serial on green plate; "N.J.−27." centered at top | A12345 1E2345 O/N12345 | County-coded | Serifs added to letters in serials for better readability. O/N code replaced Q code in Ocean County. |
![]() | 1928 | Embossed white serial on light blue plate; "N.J.−1928" centered at top | A12345 1E2345 O/N12345 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1929 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "N.J.−29." centered at top | A12345 1E2345 O/N12345 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1930 | Embossed white serial on gray plate; "N.J.−1930" centered at top | A12345 1E2345 O/N12345 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1931 | Embossed white serial on red plate; "N.J.−31." centered at top | A12345 1/E12345 O/N12345 | County-coded | 1/E1001 onwards issued in Essex County following E99999; this practice continued through 1938. |
![]() | 1932 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "N.J.−1932." centered at top | A12345 1/E12345 O/N12345 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1933 | Embossed orange serial on black plate; "N.J.−'33." centered at top | A12345 1/E12345 O/N12345 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1934 | Embossed light green serial on black plate; "N.J.−1934" centered at top | A12345 1/E12345 O/N12345 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1935 | Embossed silver serial on black plate; "N.J.−'35." centered at top | A12345 1/E12345 O/N12345 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1936 | Embossed bright orange serial on black plate; "N.J.−1936" centered at top | A12345 1/E12345 O/N12345 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1937 | Embossed light green serial on black plate; "N.J.−'37." centered at top | A12345 1/E12345 O/N12345 | County-coded | |
![]() | 1938 | Embossed silver serial on black plate; "N.J.−1938" centered at top | A12345 1/B1234 1/E12345 O/N12345 | County-coded | 1/B1001 onwards issued in Bergen County following B99999. |
![]() | 1939 | Embossed bright orange serial on black plate; vertical "NJ 39" at right | A/B123 A/B12A | County-coded (A/B) | For each two-letter code, the numbers 100 to 999 were issued, followed by 10A through 99Z (omitting G, I, O and Q).[3] |
![]() | 1940 | Embossed light green serial on black plate; vertical "NJ 40" at right | A/B123 A/B12A | County-coded (A/B) | |
![]() | 1941 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "N.J. '41" roughly centered at bottom | A/B123 A/B12A | County-coded (A/B) | |
![]()
| 1942 | Embossed yellow serial on black plate; "N.J. 1942" roughly centered at bottom | A/B123 A/B12A | County-coded (A/B) | Revalidated for 1943 with white-on-black tabs, due to metal conservation for World War II. |
![]() | 1944 | Embossed black serial on straw-colored plate; "N.J. '44" roughly centered at bottom | A/B123 A/B12A | County-coded (A/B) | Only rear plates issued due to ongoing metal conservation. Issuance of front plates resumed in 1947. |
![]() | 1945 | Embossed blue serial on straw-colored plate; "N.J. 1945" at bottom, offset to right | A/B123 A/B12A | County-coded (A/B) | |
![]() | 1946 | Embossed black serial on straw-colored plate; "N.J. '46" centered at top | A/B123 A/B12A | County-coded (A/B) | |
![]() | 1947 | Embossed blue serial on straw-colored plate; "N.J. 1947" at bottom, offset to right | A/B123 A/B12A | County-coded (A/B) | |
![]() | 1948 | Embossed black serial on straw-colored plate; "N.J. '48" centered at top | A/B123 A/B12A | County-coded (A/B) | |
1949 | Embossed straw-colored serial on black plate; "N.J. 1949" at bottom, offset to right | A/B123 A/B12A | County-coded (A/B) | ||
![]() | 1950 | As 1948 base, but with "N.J. '50" at top | A/B123 A/B12A | County-coded (A/B) | |
![]() | 1951 | As 1949 base, but with "N.J. 1951" at bottom | A/B123 A/B12A | County-coded (A/B) | |
![]() ![]() | 1952 | Embossed orange lettering on black plate with border line; "N. 52 J." embossed at bottom. | A/B 123 A/B 12A A/B A12 A/B 1A2 A/B 1234 | Coded by county (A/B) | Revalidated for 1953, 1954 (shown in photo), 1955 and 1956 (also shown in photo) with tabs (Passenger) 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960 with tabs (Non-Passenger). |
![]() | 1957 | As above but changed to 6" x 12" size, and with stacked "NJ" embossed at right | A/B 1234 | Coded by county (A/B) | Revalidated for 1958 with windshield stickers. The older 1952 plates (by now dated "56") were also validated with windshield stickers. |
1959 to present
All passenger plates from 1959 until present are still valid, provided they have been continuously registered. It is also possible to have a serial from an older plate remade on a plate of a newer design.[4]
Image | First issued | Design | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1959 | Embossed black serial on non-reflective buff plate; "N.J." centered at top | "GARDEN STATE" centered at bottom | ABC-123 | AAA-100 to RHZ-999 | Letter Q not used in serials, and 'D', 'O', 'T' and 'X' series reserved for Dealer, Omnibus, Trailer and Commercial plates respectively.[5] This practice continued until late 1992. |
![]() | 1969 | As above, but reflective | RIA-100 to SZZ-999 | Experimental plates. | ||
![]() | 1970 | As above, but non-reflective as from 1959–69 | UAA-100 to YZZ-999 | 'Z' series initially reserved for Commercial plates; issued 1985 on blue base (below).[5] | ||
![]() | 1973 | 123-ABC | 100-AAA to 999-HBZ | |||
![]() | 1977 | As above, but with "NEW JERSEY" centered at top | 100-HCA to 999-KZZ | First use of the full state name on passenger plates. | ||
![]() | 1979 | Embossed buff serial with state-shaped separator on non-reflective medium blue plate; "NEW JERSEY" centered at top | "GARDEN STATE" centered at bottom | 123-ABC | 100-LAA to 999-ZZZ | |
![]() | 1985 | ABC-123 | ZAA-100 to ZZZ-999 | |||
![]() | 1985 | ABC-12D | AAA-10A to HZZ-99Z | I and O not used as suffix letters in this serial format (in addition to Q).[3] | ||
![]() | late 1992 | Embossed black serial on reflective yellow to gradient white plate; "New Jersey" screened in black centered at top; black outlines for registration stickers at top corners | "Garden State" screened in black centered at bottom | ABC1234 | AAA1000 to ADJ9999 | Letters I, O and Q not used in serials; this practice continues today.[3] |
![]() | spring 1993 | As above, but with state-shaped separator added to serial | AB-123C | BA-100A to ZY-999Z | 'D', 'H', 'T' and 'X' series reserved for Dealer, Handicapped, Trailer and Commercial plates respectively, and 'S' series for optional Shore to Please plate.[6] 'A' series used on Apportioned plates from 1996 onwards. | |
![]() | May 1999 | ABC-12D | JAA-10A to SZZ-99Z; UAA-10A to VZT-99Z | 'T' series reserved for Trailer plates. Between 2001 and 2004, plates used Avery reflective sheeting instead of 3M reflective sheeting. | ||
![]() | mid 2007 | As above, but without black outlines at top corners | VZU-10A to WZZ-99Z; YAA-10A to ZZZ-99Z | 'X' series reserved for Commercial and Farmer plates. | ||
![]() | July 2010 | As above, but with security threads added to center of plate | A12-BCD | A10-AAA to T99-EEK[7] | ||
April 2014 | As above, but with serial and separator screened rather than embossed | A10-EFF to Z99-SZZ; A10-UAA to B19-UVE (as of July 15, 2024)[8] | 'T' series reserved for Trailer plates. |
Courtesy plates
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/New_Jersey_SVM_2.jpg/220px-New_Jersey_SVM_2.jpg)
Courtesy plates have been issued to individuals with political connections since 1920. The current serial formats on these plates consist of three letters followed or preceded by a number between 1 and 20. On standard courtesy plates the first letter is a county code, the second letter is the first initial of the vehicle owner's name, and the third letter is the initial of the last name of the vehicle owner. Courtesy plates may also be personalized, with all three letters making up the owner's initials.
Courtesy plates can be used on several types of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles and historic vehicles. They must be approved by a NJ State Senator from the applicant's election district prior to being submitted to the MVC.[9] The staff for the applicant's senator must also get approval from the state senator from the county that corresponds to the first letter on the plate being requested. The letter Q cannot be used on these plates, and D, O, T, and X cannot be used as the first letter.[3]
Courtesy plate county codes 1959 to present
Letter | County |
---|---|
A | Atlantic |
B | Bergen |
C | Camden |
E | Essex |
F | Ocean |
G | Gloucester |
H | Hudson |
I | Hunterdon |
J | Salem |
K | Middlesex |
L | Morris |
M | Monmouth |
N | Burlington |
P | Passaic |
R | Mercer |
S | Somerset |
U | Union |
V | Sussex |
W | Warren |
Y | Cumberland |
Z | Cape May |
Current plate types
All bases of all classes of plates from 1959 to present are still valid for display in New Jersey.[10]
Non-Passenger
Image | Type | First issued | Current serial format | Previous serial formats | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Ambulance | July 1, 2014 | OA-123A | OA-1234 | Ambulances used Commercial and No Fee plates prior to July 2014. Current highest serial seen: OA-204A (on March 7, 2024).[11] |
![]() | Apportioned | June 1996 | AB-123C | Issued to trucks and buses weighing at least 13 tons. Serials became screened at AS-100A. Current highest serial seen: AZ-456D (on July 9, 2024).[11] | |
![]() | Autocycle | October 2017 | A1B2C | Issued to three-wheeled motorcycles. | |
![]() | Commercial | 1918 | XBC-D12 | XBC-123 XB-1234 X-12345 X1B-234 XBC-12D XB-12CD XBC1234 X12-B34 X-1234B XB-123C | Serials XYA-100 through XZZ-999 and XYA-10A through XZZ-99Z reserved for Farmer plates. Current serial format began mid-2012; serials became screened at XCW-A10. Current highest serial seen: XPW-E89 (on June 28, 2024).[11] Vanity variants also issued. |
![]() | Commercial Motorcycle | 1962 | XB123 | Infrequently issued. | |
![]() | Commuter Van | 1982 | CV12345 | CV-1234 | Issued to airport vans and ride-share vehicles. |
![]() | Dealer Temporary | 1953 | DL-123 12 | ||
![]() | Dealer Transporter | c. 1970 | DTT-12 12 12 12 DTT | Issued to new vehicles being transported from manufacturers to dealers. | |
![]() | Driving School | 2019 | DS-1234 | ||
![]() | Equipment In Transit | 1949 | 12-1-AB | A-12-1 AB-12-1 | Issued to construction vehicles, in groups of five (each plate in the group is distinguished by the small number in its serial, between 1 and 5). Issued annually through 1962. |
![]() | Farm Use | 1941 | GB-12C | F-1234 F-B123 F-B12C FB-12C FB12345 | |
![]() | Handicapped | 1977 | 1234H/B | H1234 1234H H/B1234 | International Symbol of Access at left. Serials became screened at around H/Z9000. Current highest serial seen: 9871H/K (on June 8, 2024).[11] Vanity variants also issued. |
![]() | Historic | 1964 | 12345QQ | QQ-A123 123A-QQ QQ-1234 1234-QQ QQ12345 | Issued to vehicles that are at least 25 years old and are used for exhibition purposes. Serials became screened at around 29000QQ. Current highest serial seen: 75350QQ (on May 26, 2024).[11] Vanity and Courtesy variants also issued, with serial preceded by stacked Q/Q prefix. |
![]() | Historic Motorcycle | 1976 | Q1234 | Serials became screened at around Q7000. Current highest serial seen: Q9893 (on May 24, 2023).[11] | |
![]() | Hotel Bus | 2014 | OH-1234 | Issued to small buses transporting passengers to and from hotels. | |
![]() | In Transit Empty | 1977 | 12-ZB | ZB-12 | Issued to trucks and trailers that are empty when transported. Serials became screened at 10-ZG. Current highest serial seen: 67-ZJ (on October 9, 2022).[11] |
![]() | Jitney | July 1, 2014 | OJ-1234 | Issued to small buses for urban transport. These buses used Omnibus plates prior to July 2014. | |
![]() | Limousine | late 2000 | OL1234A | Replaced Livery plate. Serials began at OL1000D and became screened at OL1000K. Current highest serial seen: OL9790K (on May 20, 2024).[11] Vanity variants also issued, with serial of owner's choice preceded by stacked O/L prefix. | |
![]() | Mobility Assistance Vehicle | July 1, 2014 | OM-1234 | Issued to vehicles transporting handicapped individuals. | |
![]() | Moped | 1983 | 1A2B3 | Current highest serial seen: 3G2F2 (on February 11, 2024).[11] | |
![]() | Motorcycle | 1912 | 1ABC2 | AB123 123AB A123B A1234 1234A | Issued annually through 1960. Current serial format began 2009; serials became screened at around 2ZFA1. Current highest serial seen: 5VYV5 (on July 12, 2024).[11] Vanity and Courtesy variants also issued. |
![]() | Motorcycle Dealer | c. 1926 | 12-1DB | DB12-1 | |
![]() | Motorcycle No Fee | 1952 | 1234A | ||
![]() | New Car Dealer | 1960 | DBC-12 12 | Series DAA through DKZ used on these plates. | |
![]() | No Fee | 1932 | NF12345 | NF-C123 | Issued to vehicles owned by nonprofit organizations. Serials became screened at around NF36600. Current highest serial seen: NF40162 (on April 17, 2024).[11] Courtesy variants also issued. |
![]() | Non-Conventional Dealer | c. 1965 | DN-123 12 | ||
![]() | Omnibus | 1922 | OBC1234 | OBC-123 | Current serial format began 1992 at OXV1000; serials became screened at around OYB5000. Current highest serial seen: OYB8828 (on April 19, 2024).[11] |
![]() | Omnibus 2 | August 2014 | O2-1234 | Issued to buses owned by private transportation companies. | |
![]() | Paratransit | July 1, 2014 | OP-123A | OP-1234 | Issued to small buses providing non-emergency medical transport. These buses used Omnibus, Commercial and No Fee plates prior to July 2014. Current highest serial seen: OP-535F (on July 11, 2024).[11] |
![]() | Passenger Vanity | 1959 | varies | varies | Alcoholic vanity plates are banned. |
![]() | School Vehicle I | 1977 | S1-1234 | S1-123A 123A-S1 1234AS1 S1-A123 A123-S1 | Issued to full-size school buses (seating 17 or more passengers). Serials became screened at K100-S1. Current highest serial seen: S1-2656 (on February 13, 2024).[11] |
![]() | School Vehicle II | 1977 | A123-S2 | S2-123A 123A-S2 1234AS2 S2-A123 | Issued to small school buses (seating under 17 passengers). Serials became screened at S2-U100. Current highest serial seen: F705-S2 (on July 10, 2024).[11] |
![]() | Street Rod | 1982 | R1234 | Issued to modified antique automobiles manufactured before 1949. | |
![]() | Taxicab | July 1, 2014 | OT-123A | OT-1234 | Taxicabs used Omnibus plates prior to July 2014. Current highest serial seen: OT-171K (on June 29, 2024).[11] |
![]() | Temporary | April 1, 2012 | A123456 | F, H, J, L, M, R, T, V, W, X, Z and C series of serials issued. | |
![]() | Temporary Motorcycle | June 2015 | A123456 | Same design as regular Temporary plates, but smaller. J and L series of serials issued. | |
![]() | Temporary Non-Resident | April 1, 2012 | 123456A | N, P, R and T series of serials issued. | |
![]() | Tractor | 1918 | 1234-TB | TR-1234 TR-C123 TS-C123 | Infrequently issued. |
![]() | Trailer | 1915 | A12-TCD | TBC-123 TB-123C 123-TBC T123-BC TBC1234 T1B-234 T12-B3C TBC-12D | Serials became screened at TNN-10A. Current serial format began early 2023. Current highest serial seen: F36-TBH (on June 23, 2024).[11] |
![]() | Used Car Dealer | 1960 | 12-DBC 12 | DBC-12 12 12 12 DBC | Series DLA through DSZ and DUA through DZZ used on these plates. |
![]() | Vehicle Converter | c. 1973 | DTC-12 12 12 12 DTC | ||
![]() | Vehicle Manufacturer | 1908 | DTM-12 12 12 12 DTM DTN-12 12 12 12 DTN |
Discontinued
Image | Type | First issued | Final serial format | Previous serial formats | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Boat | 1919 | 1234 A123 | "BL NJ" and last two digits of year embossed at right. Last issued 1962; stickers used for boat registration since at least 1973. | |
![]() | Boat Dealer | by 1959 | D12−1 | ||
![]() | Boat No Fee | by 1953 | N/F12 | ||
![]() | Clam/Oyster Permit | 1935 | 1234 | C-1234 O-1234 | Issued to vehicles used for the purpose of clam and oyster digging. All-numeric serials used from 1936 onwards. Discontinued sometime after 1938. |
![]() | Constructor | 1951 | 12345 | Issued mainly to construction dump trucks. Discontinued sometime after 1979. | |
![]() | Gasoline License | 1928 | 12345 | Replaced by Motor Fuel Dealer in 1932 (below). | |
![]() | Licensed Coal/Fuel Truck | 1937 | 1234 | Supplementary plates. Last issued 1973, but revalidated until at least 1980. | |
![]() | Licensed Poultry Truck | by 1948 | 123 | Supplementary plates. Last issued 1973. | |
![]() | Livery | 1979 | OL1234A | OL-1234 1234-OL OL-123A | Livery vehicles used their own plates from 1917 to 1921, then Omnibus plates from 1922 until 1977 when the PUC LIM plate was introduced (below). Vanity variants also issued, with serial of owner's choice preceded by stacked O/L prefix. Replaced by Limousine in late 2000. |
![]() | Motor Fuel Dealer | 1932 | 12345 | Motorcycle-sized from 1936. Last issued 1942. | |
![]() | Motor Fuel Transport | 1936 | 12345 | Motorcycle-sized plates issued to tanker trucks hauling gasoline or other motor fuel. Issued annually through 1972. Last issued 2010. | |
![]() | NJ Transit Bus | 1982 | 1234-NJ | Discontinued in the late 1990s; regular Omnibus plates issued to NJ Transit buses since. | |
![]() | Outdoor Advertising | 1931 | 12345 | Used on signs and billboards. Discontinued sometime after 1956. | |
![]() | Outdoor Advertising No Fee | by 1956 | N/F123 | ||
![]() | PUC LIM | 1977 | OL-1234 | PUC LIM stood for "Public Utilities Commission - Limousine". Replaced by Livery in 1979 (above). | |
![]() | Regulated Bulk Hauler | 1981 | 1234 | Issued to semi-trailers. Vertical "NJ" and "DMV" embossed at left and right respectively. Replaced by Apportioned in 1996. |
Governmental
Image | Type | First issued | Current serial format | Previous serial formats | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Assembly | by 1936 | A/B 1 | Plates usually feature state seals either side of the number. The letters at the left are the Assembly member's initials. | |
![]() | Atlantic City Expressway | 1979 | ACE 12 | Used for all tollbooths of the Atlantic City Expressway. | |
![]() | Cabinet | (numeric) | |||
![]() | County Government | 1926 | CG1-CDE | CG-C123 CG-123C A123-CG CG12345 | Current serial format began 2012; serials became screened at approximately CG-1AYA. Current highest serial seen: CG-9CYV (on March 10, 2024).[11] |
![]() | Department of Transportation | 1959 | TD12345 | TD-123 TD-1234 | "STATE GOVT" legend. Current serial format began c. 2004; serials became screened at approximately TD17000. |
![]() | Former Assembly | ||||
![]() | Former Senator | ||||
![]() | Governor | by 1935 | 1 | Plates usually feature state seals either side of the number. | |
![]() | Highway Authority | 1959 | HA-A123 | No longer issued, as the Garden State Parkway is now under the purview of the Turnpike Authority. | |
![]() | Mayor | A/B 1 C/D | The first two letters are a code signifying the municipality, and the last two letters are the mayor's initials. | ||
![]() | Mayor Emeritus | c. 2000 | M/E1234 | New Jersey Conference of Mayors logo at left. Vanity and Courtesy variants also issued. | |
![]() | Municipal Government | 1926 | 12345MG | MG-C123 MG-123C MG-1234 123MG-C MG-12CD MG12345 | Current serial format began late 2013; serials became screened at approximately 14500MG. Current highest serial seen: 55334MG (on July 8, 2024).[11] |
![]() | Municipal No Fee | ||||
![]() | Municipal Government Motorcycle | ||||
![]() | Senate | by 1933 | AB | Letters indicate senator's initials. | |
![]() | Sheriff | A 1 A/B | The letter on the left indicates the county, while the letters on the right are the initials of the Sheriff for that county. | ||
![]() | State Government | 1926 | SG12345 | SG-C123 SG-C12D | Current serial format began 1993; serials became screened at approximately SG35600. Current highest serial seen: SG42355 (on April 18, 2024).[11] |
![]() | State Police | c. 1964 | SPA123D | SP-A123 | Used for all New Jersey State Police vehicle. State Police also has TP for vehicles assigned to turnpike patrol |
![]() | State Senate Majority Leader | ||||
![]() | Turnpike Authority | 1959 | TPA1234 | TP-A123 | Used for NJ turnpike maintenance vehicles and New Jersey State Police vehicles assigned to turnpike patrol |
![]() | U.S. Congress | c. 1952 | |||
![]() | U.S. Senate | c. 1952 | 1 or 2 (depending on seniority), flanked by state seals |
Professional
Image | Type | First issued | Current serial format | Previous serial formats | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Chiropractor | 1977 | 1 DC 234 | Vanity variants also issued. | |
![]() | Dentist | 1977 | DDS 123 DMD 123 | Vanity variants also issued. | |
![]() | EMT | 1993 | E/M1234 | Star of Life at left. | |
![]() | Farmer | 1933 | XYC-12D, XZC-12D | XYC-123, XZC-123 | Current highest serial seen: XZY-24W (on June 10, 2024).[11] |
![]() | Firefighter | 1977 | 1A-B2 | A1-2B | |
![]() | Firemen's Benevolent Association | 1990 | F/F1234 | ||
![]() | First Aider | 1981 | F1234 | Cross at left. | |
![]() | Fraternal Order of Police | 1989 | 1234F/P | F/P1234 | F/P9999 issued late 2019, followed by 1000F/P onwards. |
![]() | New Jersey Press | 1979 | NJP-123 | ||
![]() | New York Press | 1977 | 1234NYP | NYP-123 123-NYP | Current highest serial seen: 2618NYP (on November 12, 2023).[11] |
![]() | Newark Firefighter | 2001 | F/D1234 | ||
![]() | Operating Engineer | 2005 | O/E1234 | ||
![]() | Physician | 1951 | MD-1234 DO-1234 | MD-C123 | Vanity variants also issued. |
![]() | Podiatrist | 1979 | DPM-123 | Vanity variants also issued. | |
![]() | Policemen's Benevolent Association | 1991 | 1234P/B | P/B1234 | P/B9999 issued late 2018, followed by 1000P/B onwards. |
![]() | Society of Professional Engineers | 1994 | P/E1234 |
Organizational
Image | Type | First issued | Current serial format | Previous serial formats | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Amateur Radio | (call sign) | |||
![]() | Freemason | MB1234 | |||
![]() | Honor Legion | PD1234 | |||
![]() | Knights of Columbus (Columbianism) | KC1234 | |||
![]() | Rotary International | RI1234 | |||
![]() | Square Dancer | SD1234 | |||
![]() | Teamsters | IB1234 | |||
![]() | Telephone Pioneer | PA1234 | |||
![]() | United Bowhunters | UB1234 |
Military and Veteran
Image | Type | First issued | Current serial format | Previous serial formats | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Air Force Auxiliary | CP1234 | |||
![]() | Air Force Reserve | CF1234 | |||
![]() | Air Force Retired | RA1234 | |||
![]() | Air Guard | NGA 123 | The letter appearing after the N/G is the first letter of the plate owner's last name. | ||
![]() | Airborne | AB1234 | |||
![]() | American Legion | AL1234 | |||
![]() | Amvets | AV1234 | |||
![]() | Army Guard | NGA 123 | The letter appearing after the N/G is the first letter of the plate owner's last name. | ||
![]() | Army Reserve | AR1234 | |||
![]() | Coast Guard Auxiliary | CA1234 | |||
![]() | Coast Guard Reserve | CR1234 | |||
![]() | Combat Veteran | CI1234 | |||
![]() | Combat Wounded | PH1234 | |||
![]() | Disabled American Veteran | WD1234 | DAV-123 | ||
![]() | Disabled Veteran | DV1234 | |||
![]() | Gold Star Family | 2011 | MH1234 | ||
![]() | Leatherneck | ML1234 | |||
![]() | Merchant Marine | MM1234 | |||
![]() | Navy Cross | NC1234 | |||
![]() | Navy Lakehurst | LK1234 | |||
![]() | Navy League | NL1234 | |||
![]() | Navy Reserve | NR1234 | |||
![]() | Pearl Harbor '41 | 1234PH | |||
![]() | Prisoner of War | P1234 | |||
![]() | Silver Star | 1234SS | |||
![]() | Silent Service | SS1234 | |||
![]() | Tin Can Sailors | DD1234 | |||
![]() | U.S. Army Retired | GI1234 | |||
![]() | Veterans of Foreign Wars | WV1234 | VFW-123 | ||
![]() | Vietnam Veteran | VV1234 |
College and University Optionals
Image | Type | First issued | Current serial format | Previous serial formats | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | New Jersey Institute of Technology | JT1234 | "Highlanders" | ||
![]() | Notre Dame | ND1234 | |||
![]() | Penn State Alumni | PS1234 | |||
![]() | Rutgers | RU1234, 1234RU | New graphic features Rutgers' red "R" and numbers-first format. | ||
![]() | Seton Hall | SH1234 | Base revised in 2007 – rim is no longer embossed and has updated Pirates logo | ||
![]() | Stevens Tech | ST1234 | |||
![]() | Temple University | UN1234 | |||
![]() | University of Delaware | UD1234 | |||
![]() | University of Michigan | UM1234 | |||
![]() | West Point | WP1234 |
Specialty
Image | Type | First issued | Current serial format | Previous serial formats | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Alpha Kappa Alpha | October 2017 | IV1234 | Features the Ivy leaf. | |
![]() | Animal Friendly | 1995 | IM1234, IM123A, IM12AB (ended at ...99CZ) | No longer issued but still valid | |
![]() | Animal Friendly (Mutts) | 2002 | IMBA12 | IM12EA | Plate features characters from Patrick McDonnell's comic strip |
![]() | Battleship | 1996 | BB12AB | BB1234, 1234BB | Features an image of battleship USS New Jersey |
![]() | Baymen's Heritage | February 26, 1998[12] | BH12AB | BH1234, 1234BH | Sports an image of the Tucker's Island Lighthouse |
![]() | Center for Food Action | 2001 | CF1234 | No longer being issued (see below) | |
![]() | Choose Life | 2011 | CF1234 | Uses same prefix as previously issued Center for Food Action plates, of which less than 100 were registered. | |
![]() | Conquer Cancer | 1998 | CCAB12 | CC1234, CC12AB, A123CC | |
![]() | Conserve Wildlife – Woodpecker | 1993 | CW1234, CW123A, CW12AB | No longer issued but still valid. | |
![]() | Conserve Wildlife – Bald Eagle | June 26, 1997 | A123WC | WC123A | |
![]() | Deborah Heart & Lung | 2000 | 1234DH | DH1234 | |
Discover NJ History | March 26, 1997 | 1234ZZ | ZZ1234 | Features painting of a house in Lambertville, New Jersey by renowned New Jersey artist Harry Devlin. Proceeds go to the Historic License Plate Preservation Fund to save priceless historic buildings, artifacts and documents. | |
![]() | Liberty State Park | 1999 | 1234LS | LS1234 | |
![]() | Meadowlands | 2001 | MC1234 | ||
![]() | New Jersey Agriculture | January 29, 2001 | GS12BA, XY123AA (farmer) XA123AA (commercial) FX123AA (farm use) | GS1234, 1234GS | |
![]() | NPDF Safe Cop | PF1234 | |||
![]() | Olympic Spirit | 1995 | 1234US | US1234 | |
![]() | Organ Donors Save Lives | 2002 | 1234DL | DL1234 | |
![]() | Pinelands | 1998 | PL12AB | PL1234 | |
![]() | Price of Honor | 2002 | LEAB12 | LE1234, 1234LE, LE12AB, BA12LE | |
Shore to Please | November 1993 | SA12AB | SA1234,SA123A, SC123A, SE123A, SF123A, SJ123A, SK123A, SL123A, SN123A, SR123A, SU123A | ||
![]() | Treasure Our Trees | 1998 | WE123A, XA123WE (commercial) | WE1234 | |
![]() | United We Stand | 2004 | UW12AB | UW1234, 1234UW |
Sports
The New Jersey sports plates were introduced in the fall of 2010. They share a common serial format – R/M12AB – and were the first NJ plates to be issued with screened, rather than embossed, serials.
Image | Type | Notes |
---|---|---|
![]() | NASCAR | Plates feature the number and signature of one of the following eight drivers: Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Danica Patrick, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr. and Tony Stewart. There is also a Dale Earnhardt Hall of Fame commemorative plate, a Ford Racing plate and a generic NASCAR Fan plate. |
![]() | NBA | Plates feature the logo of either the New York Knicks or the Philadelphia 76ers.[13] There was also a New Jersey Nets plate, which was discontinued when the Nets moved to Brooklyn in 2012. |
![]() | NHL | Plates feature the logo of either the New Jersey Devils or the Philadelphia Flyers.[14] |
![]() | MLB | Plates feature the logo of either the New York Yankees, the New York Mets or the Philadelphia Phillies.[15] |
![]() | NFL | Plates feature a graphic of the helmet of either the New York Jets, the New York Giants or the Philadelphia Eagles.[16] |
Other
Image | Type | First issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Beach Buggy Association | early 1970s | Issued to members of the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association for member identification; the serial number on each plate is the owner's membership number. Current plate design is dark red on white with the slogan "Fighting For Beach Access Since 1954". |
References
- ^ "Old New Jersey License Plates". LeatherLicensePlates.com. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
- ^ Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62, no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
- ^ a b c d e Tanner, Eric N. "New Jersey Passenger License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
- ^ Moini, Jim. "Remakes (Replacement)". Jim Moini's License Plates. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
- ^ a b Moini, Jim. "Passenger Plates 1959 - 1973". Jim Moini's License Plates. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
- ^ Moini, Jim. "Passenger Plates 1992 - 1999". Jim Moini's License Plates. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
- ^ Moini, Jim. "Passenger Plates 2010 - 2014". Jim Moini's License Plates. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- ^ "New Jersey License Plates". www.licenseplates.cc. Retrieved 2023-06-24.
- ^ "Information about Personalized License Plates" (PDF). New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
- ^ Jim Moini's License Plates
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Moini, Jim. "NJ Highs". Jim Moini's License Plates. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
- ^ "Baymen's Heritage License Plate To Be Unveiled". New Jersey Department of Transportation. February 24, 1998. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- ^ NBA License Plates, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Retrieved 2010-11-21.
- ^ NHL License Plates, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Retrieved 2012-08-14.
- ^ MLB License Plates, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
- ^ NFL License Plates, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Retrieved 2010-12-22.
External links
- New Jersey license plates, 1969–present
- Garden State Region of the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association