The following specialty vehicles have different processes for licensing and/or registration:
For additional information on E-Bikes and Micromobility, please click on the link below for the New Jersey Micromobility Guide:
Micromobility - The New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center
A motorized bicycle (moped) is defined by law as a pedal bicycle with a helper motor, electric or gas-powered, capable of a maximum speed of no more than 25 miles per hour on a flat surface. A moped has a maximum displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters (no more than 1.5 brake horsepower).
Although mopeds resemble bicycles, mopeds are heavier and handle differently. They usually require longer braking distances to stop, don’t turn as quickly and are harder to pedal than bicycles.
A low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
A low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
Low-speed E-Bikes (Class 1 and Class 2) are subject to traditional bicycle laws, require no license or registration, and must have a permanently affixed label indicating their classification, top speed, and wattage, which became mandatory on January 1, 2019. According to statutory definition (NJSA 39:1-1), Class 1 and Class 2 E-Bikes are not considered “motorized bicycles”. Helmet use is required for riders of Class 1 and Class 2 E-Bikes.
A pedal-assist E-Bike that provides motor assistance only when the rider pedals, with a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph and motor power limited to 750 watts. Per the 2019 E-Bike Law (NJSA 39:4-14.16) and statutory definitions (NJSA 39:1-1), a Class 3 E-Bike is treated as a motorized bicycle.
Class 3 E-Bikes are defined by several key characteristics:
You must be at least 15 years old and possess a valid driver's license or a specialized motorized bicycle license.
Motorized bicycles (Moped and Class 3 E-Bikes) must be registered/titled with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) and insured.
A helmet is mandatory for all motorized bicycles riders, regardless of age.
Motorized bicycles manufactured after January 1, 2019, must have a permanently affixed label indicating their classification, wattage, and top assisted speed.
If a vehicle meets all the conditions as defined by law (see above) it may be registered as a moped. Vehicles without pedals that are less than 50 ccs cannot be registered as mopeds; rather, they must be registered as motorcycles, regardless of engine size.
To register your motorized bicycle (Moped and Class 3 E-Bike), please visit a motor vehicle agency with the following documents:
- A Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO).
- Title or registration.
- If the vehicle isn't titled in the state of origin, you must obtain a notarized bill of sale from the previous owner that includes the following information along with a copy of the sellers’ registration and a picture of the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate or sticker:
- Name of seller
- Name of buyer
- Date of sale
- Make, model, year, vin number and the purchase price
- You lack the equipment required by state regulations.
- You do not have a helmet.
- You have unapproved goggles or face shield.
- Your horn cannot be heard from at least 100 feet away
Additionally, there is a sub-category called “Pocket bikes”. Pocket bikes are small-scale motorcycles with gasoline engines less than 50 ccs that can reach speeds of 45 mph. By definition from the state legislature, pocket bikes are considered toys.
You do not need a permit or license to operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in New Jersey. However, the vehicle must be registered and you must observe the following regulations:
*If you are under age 18 and only operate an ATV or dirt bike at licensed special events, you are exempt from the safety education course. You are also exempt if the ATV or dirt bike is used on public lands or waters or across a public highway as an incident to or in the actual performance of the operations of a farm that is adjacent to the public land and or water or public highway upon which the vehicle is being operated.
You do not need a permit or license to operate a snowmobile in New Jersey. However, the vehicle must be registered and you must observe the following regulations:
To register your snowmobile, Dirt Bike or ATV, please visit a motor vehicle agency:
- If you purchased the vehicle from a dealership, provide the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin or Certificate of Origin (MSO or COO), an invoice with the date of purchase, make, model, year, serial number and the dealer's "Sales Tax Satisfied" stamp.
- If your purchased the vehicle from a private owner, provide the MSO, COO or the seller's registration that indicates the vehicle was sold; as well as a notarized letter that includes:
- Name of buyer;
- Date of sale; and
- Make, model, year, serial number and the purchase price.
The registration expiration date for all snowmobiles, Dirt Bike and ATV registrations is September 30th.
An agricultural license (Class G) allows individuals between 16 and 17 years old to operate only those vehicles registered for farm use when the driver and vehicle are actively engaged in farming-related activities. A basic driver license (Class D) can also be used to operate farming vehicles.
We are required to capture a customer’s full face when taking a picture for a driver license or non-driver ID card; therefore we need to be able to see from the top of your forehead to the bottom of your chin. If you have a medical or religious need to wear a head covering in your photo, please advise the MVC staff at the agency camera station.