What Is the Process for License Plate Renewal in New Brunswick?
The license plate renewal process in New Brunswick involves simultaneously renewing the vehicle's registration and insurance. This combined renewal is conducted through Service New Brunswick. The renewal process ensures the vehicle's registration remains current and adequately insured for operation on New Brunswick's roads.
When Should I Renew My License Plate in New Brunswick?
License plates in New Brunswick must be renewed annually before their expiration date, and the renewal of your vehicle's license plate depends on the type of vehicle:
- Passenger-type vehicles and Light Commercial Vehicles: Registration expires on various staggered days throughout the month. You must renew by the specific expiry date noted on your registration.
- Large Commercial Vehicles: These registrations expire on the last day of any month. Renewal should be completed before this date.
- Commercial Prorate Plates: Like large commercial vehicles, these plates expire on the last day of each month.
- Off-Road Vehicle Plates: These expire on December 31st of each year.
- All Other Registrations: Typically expire on March 31st annually.
How Can I Renew My License Plate in New Brunswick?
There are three ways to renew your license plate in New Brunswick:
- Online: Use the Service New Brunswick web portal to renew your plate and pay the fee by credit card. Your new registration and sticker will be mailed.
- In Person: Visit any Service New Brunswick location with your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and payment. You'll receive your new registration and sticker on the spot.
Some vehicle types (e.g. commercial trucks) must be renewed in person.
Can I Renew My License Plate From New Brunswick Online?
Yes, you can renew your license plate online in New Brunswick through Service New Brunswick's online services. Here's what you will need for the online renewal process:
- Current Registration: You must have your current vehicle registration details.
- Insurance Card: Proof of valid vehicle insurance is necessary.
- Payment Options: Credit or debit card options are typically available for online payment.
- Address Update: Ensure your address is current on your registration; otherwise, you might need to update it before proceeding.
- Vehicle Information: You must enter your plate and Vehicle Identification numbers (VIN).
- Renewal Term: Choose the term for which you are renewing the registration.
Also, Service New Brunswick allows you to opt out of paper registration renewal reminders to reduce paper waste.
If I Have Outstanding Fines in New Brunswick, Can I Still Renew My Plate?
If you have outstanding fines, fees, or tolls associated with your vehicle or driving record in New Brunswick, you can renew your license plate once those debts are resolved. Outstanding amounts can include:
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Unpaid traffic tickets or court fines
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Motor vehicle surcharges
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Delinquent wheel taxes
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Tolls, if your vehicle is registered for electronic toll collection
Service New Brunswick blocks the renewal of license plates associated with unpaid fines. You must settle your outstanding balance before proceeding with renewal.
Can Someone Else Renew My License Plate for Me in New Brunswick?
Someone else can renew your license plate in New Brunswick if they have your signed renewal documents and the required information. However, for privacy reasons, Service New Brunswick will only mail renewed plates and registration to the registered owner's address on file, not to third parties.
If you need someone to renew your plate in person on your behalf, provide them with:
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Your current registration
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Your plate renewal notice
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Proof of valid automobile insurance
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Payment for renewal fees
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A signed note authorizing them to conduct the transaction for you
The person assisting you must show their own photo ID at a Service New Brunswick office, but the renewed registration will remain under your name as the owner.
What Is the Penalty in New Brunswick for Driving With an Expired License Plate?
Driving with an expired license plate is a punishable offense under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act. If pulled over with an expired registration, you may face fines.
In addition to fines, driving unregistered also puts you at risk of:
- Additional penalty fees when you do renew your plate
- Having your vehicle towed or impounded
- Demerit points added to your driver's record
- Denial of insurance coverage if you have an accident
Is a License Plate Sticker Required in New Brunswick?
Yes, all registered vehicles in New Brunswick require a current license plate sticker. The sticker displays the year and month your registration expires and must be placed on your rear license plate in the designated lower corner.
When you renew your registration, Service New Brunswick provides you with a new sticker showing your updated expiration date. Failure to display a valid, non-expired plate sticker will result in fines if you're pulled over, even if you've already paid your renewal fees.
What Documentation Is Needed to Renew a License Plate in New Brunswick?
To renew your license plate in New Brunswick, you must provide documentation:
- Current Registration: The most recent vehicle registration document.
- Proof of Insurance: Valid proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
- Payment for Fees: Adequate payment to cover the renewal fees associated with the license plate.
If any personal information (such as address) has changed since the last registration, proof of the new details will be necessary. It's also essential to ensure no outstanding fines or fees on the vehicle, as these must be settled before the renewal can be processed.
Is Insurance Required to Renew License Plates in New Brunswick?
Yes, insurance is required to renew license plates in New Brunswick. According to the regulations set forth by the Government of New Brunswick, no original, renewal, or replacement of a registration certificate, registration plate, or permit for a motor vehicle will be issued unless the owner or operator of the motor vehicle provides evidence of a valid policy of insurance with the application. This ensures that all vehicles operating on public roads are adequately insured, thereby protecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
What Is the Fee for License Plate Renewal in New Brunswick?
In New Brunswick, the fee for renewing a license plate varies depending on the type and weight of the vehicle.
- Private Passenger Vehicles and Light Commercial Vehicles:$61.00-$189.00
- Trailers and Semi-trailers: $29.00- $174.00
- Travel trailers: $37.00
- Hardtop or tent trailers: $30.00
- Motorcycles: $43.00
- Motor-driven cycles: $30.00
- Buses, including school and community service buses: $75.00
- Other Specific Fees
- Semi-trailer (annual):
- One year: $29.00
- Two years: $58.00
- Three years: $87.00
- Antique auto: $19.00
These fees are exclusive of the harmonized sales tax (HST).