Coast Guard · Cape May, New Jersey

USCG Training Center Cape May
DMV & Vehicle Registration Guide 2026

Everything active duty members need to know about vehicle registration, driver's license transfer, and your SCRA rights when PCSing to Cape May, New Jersey.

SCRA Protection: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows active duty members to keep their home-state vehicle registration while stationed in New Jersey. Consult the USCG Training Center Cape May JAG office for your specific situation.
🏛️ New Jersey DMV — Primary Contact
New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles
📞 Contact your state DMV
🌐 https://www.google.com/search?q=New%20Jersey%20DMV%20military
📍 New Jersey State Capitol
Military Note: Active duty military typically have protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Check with your JAG office for state-specific exemptions.
📋 Documents Required
  • ✓
    PCS orders (copy)
  • ✓
    Current vehicle title (or lienholder info)
  • ✓
    Proof of insurance (current policy)
  • ✓
    Military ID (CAC card)
  • ✓
    Current out-of-state registration
  • ✓
    Driver's license (to exchange if establishing residency)
  • ✓
    Payment for fees (check DMV website for amounts)
📞 Key Contacts
New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles
📞 Contact your state DMV
🌐 State DMV — Vehicle & License Services
USCG Training Center Cape May Legal Assistance Office (JAG)
📞 (609) 898-6900
🌐 Free SCRA guidance for active duty
USCG Training Center Cape May Provost Marshal / Installation Traffic
📞 (609) 898-6900
🌐 On-post vehicle registration & decals
🚗 Step-by-Step Registration Process
1

Decide: maintain home-state or transfer registration

SCRA lets you keep your home-state plates while stationed in New Jersey. However, if you want New Jersey residency (e.g., no state income tax), you may benefit from transferring.

2

Get your on-post vehicle decal first

Before anything else, visit the USCG Training Center Cape May Provost Marshal office to get your installation vehicle registration decal. You'll need this to enter the base.

3

Visit the DMV (or complete by mail)

Contact New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles at Contact your state DMV. Many states allow active duty to complete vehicle registration by mail using PCS orders. Check https://www.google.com/search?q=New%20Jersey%20DMV%20military for the military exemption process.

4

Transfer your driver's license (if applicable)

If establishing New Jersey residency, exchange your license at the local DMV. Bring your military ID and PCS orders. Present these for any military fee exemptions.

5

Update your auto insurance

Notify your insurer of your new address. Moving to a different state often changes your premium. If using USAA or GEICO Military, this is a simple online update.

✅ PCS DMV Checklist
Decide: SCRA exemption or transfer to New Jersey
Get installation vehicle decal (Provost Marshal)
Gather PCS orders + vehicle title + insurance
Contact JAG for SCRA guidance
Schedule DMV appointment (or mail-in packet)
Update vehicle registration
Exchange driver's license (if residency transfer)
Update car insurance to new address
Notify lender of address change (if financed)
Update military/DEERS record with new address
Get emissions inspection (if required in New Jersey)
Update vehicle registration in finance records

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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register my car in New Jersey if I'm active duty?
Under the SCRA, active duty members may keep their home-state registration while stationed in New Jersey. Active duty military typically have protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Check with your JAG office for state-specific exemptions.
How long do I have to register my vehicle after arriving at USCG Training Center Cape May?
If you choose to transfer registration to New Jersey, timelines vary. Contact the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles at Contact your state DMV for the current military grace period.
Can my spouse register a vehicle in New Jersey?
Military spouses may be covered under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA). Consult the JAG office at USCG Training Center Cape May for your specific situation.

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