If you’ve just bought a new or used vehicle in New Brunswick, the next step is registering it so you can legally hit the road. Like other provinces, New Brunswick has specific requirements for car registration — and while the process is fairly straightforward, it’s important to make sure you’ve got all your paperwork in order.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to register a car in New Brunswick, whether you’re buying privately, through a dealership, or bringing a car in from another province. We’ll also cover renewal requirements, safety inspections, taxes, and more.

Let’s get started.

What Is Vehicle Registration in New Brunswick?

Registering a vehicle in New Brunswick is a legal requirement for anyone who owns or operates a car in the province. The registration process links the vehicle to its legal owner and allows the province to track vehicle ownership, insurance status, and roadworthiness.

Once registered, you’ll receive:

• A vehicle registration certificate, which proves ownership and must be kept in the car at all times.
• A licence plate (if you don’t already have one to transfer).
• A validation sticker for your plate, indicating when your registration expires.

Vehicle registration in New Brunswick is handled by Service New Brunswick (SNB). Whether you’re buying a car from a private seller, transferring ownership, or moving to New Brunswick from another province, you’ll need to register the vehicle within 30 days.

When You Need to Register a Car in New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, you are legally required to register your vehicle before you can drive it on public roads. When and how you register depends on your situation:

Buying a Used Vehicle Privately

You must register the vehicle in your name within 14 days of the sale. During this period, the previous owner’s registration remains valid, giving you time to complete the transfer process.

Buying From a Dealership

Most dealerships in New Brunswick handle the registration paperwork for you. Once finalized, they’ll either give you your licence plates or instructions for picking them up at Service New Brunswick.

Moving to New Brunswick From Another Province

If you’re bringing a vehicle from another province, you’ll need to register it in New Brunswick within 90 days of moving. Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection before you can register it.

Temporary Registration

If you need to drive the vehicle before the full registration is complete, you may be eligible for a temporary permit, which gives you limited time to complete your inspection and registration.

What You Need to Register a Car in New Brunswick

To register a car in New Brunswick, you’ll need to visit a Service New Brunswick (SNB) location in person. You can’t register online, so having everything ready ahead of time will save you time and effort.

Here’s what you need to bring:

• Government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s licence)
• Proof of insurance from a licensed provider in New Brunswick
• Bill of sale or lease agreement
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and current odometer reading
• Previous registration (for used vehicles)
• Completed Certificate of Registration from the seller (if applicable)
• Inspection certificate (for used vehicles more than 3 years old)

If you’re registering a vehicle you just purchased, the bill of sale must include the date of purchase, sale price, names and signatures of both the buyer and seller, and the vehicle’s details (VIN, make, model, and year).

If the vehicle is a gift from an immediate family member, you’re exempt from paying the retail sales tax (RST), but you’ll need to fill out a Gift of Vehicle form and provide supporting documents.

Getting a Motor Vehicle Inspection Certificate in New Brunswick

Before you can register most used vehicles in New Brunswick, it must pass a Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) to ensure it meets provincial safety standards.

What is a Motor Vehicle Inspection?

The MVI is a safety inspection that evaluates essential components of the vehicle such as:

• Brakes
• Steering
• Suspension
• Tires
• Lights
• Windshield condition
• Exhaust system

If the vehicle passes, you’ll receive an inspection sticker valid for one year from the date of issue.

When is an MVI Required?

An MVI is required if:

• You’re registering a used vehicle
• You’re transferring ownership of a vehicle
• The vehicle is coming from outside New Brunswick

The only exception is for brand-new vehicles being registered for the first time — these may be exempt depending on the dealer.

Where to Get an MVI

You can get your vehicle inspected at any licensed inspection station in New Brunswick. Look for locations with an official MVI sign, or check the provincial list of approved stations.

How to Register a Car in New Brunswick Step by Step

Whether you’re registering a newly purchased vehicle or transferring a vehicle after moving to the province, here are the steps you’ll need to follow to register your car in New Brunswick:

Step 1: Complete the Bill of Sale

Ensure the Bill of Sale is fully completed and signed by both the buyer and seller. It should include:

• Buyer and seller’s full names and addresses
• Vehicle make, model, year, and VIN
• Sale date and purchase price

If you’re transferring a vehicle between family members or receiving it as a gift, different documentation may apply — such as a sworn affidavit or Gift of Vehicle form.

Step 2: Get a Valid Safety Inspection

A valid Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) is required before registering any used vehicle in New Brunswick. The inspection must have been completed within the last 30 days.

You can get an inspection from a licensed garage or inspection station. If the vehicle fails the inspection, necessary repairs must be completed and the vehicle re-inspected before registration.

Step 3: Obtain a New Brunswick Car Insurance Policy

Before registering, you’ll need active insurance from a provider licensed in New Brunswick. Your insurance pink slip (proof of insurance) must match the name of the registered owner.

Step 4: Gather the Required Documents

Bring the following items with you to Service New Brunswick:

• Bill of Sale (or Gift of Vehicle form if applicable)
• Valid Safety Inspection Certificate
• Proof of insurance
• Driver’s licence or valid ID
• Old registration (if transferring plates)

Step 5: Visit a Service New Brunswick Centre

Head to a Service New Brunswick (SNB) location to complete your registration. In most cases, this must be done in person.

At SNB, you’ll:

• Pay the applicable registration fee and sales tax
• Register the vehicle in your name
• Receive new licence plates (or transfer existing ones)

Step 6: Affix Your Licence Plates

Once registration is complete, attach your licence plates to the vehicle. If you were issued a temporary permit, it must be displayed in the rear window until your permanent plates arrive.

How Much It Costs to Register a Car in New Brunswick

The cost of registering a car in New Brunswick depends on a few key factors, including the vehicle’s weight, your location, and the length of the registration term you choose.

Vehicle Registration Fees

Registration is typically valid for 12 or 24 months, and fees are based on the weight class of the vehicle. For standard passenger vehicles, expect to pay around:

• $69 – $93 for a 1-year registration
• $138 – $186 for a 2-year registration

(These are general ranges—exact fees may vary.)

Sales Tax

When registering a vehicle, you’ll also need to pay Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) at 15% of the purchase price or Canadian Red Book value (whichever is higher), unless the vehicle was a gift from a qualifying family member.

Other Potential Fees

• New plate fee: Around $10–$15
• Transfer of ownership fee: $25
• Duplicate registration or plate replacement: Additional fees apply
• Safety inspection: Typically $35–$50, paid separately to the mechanic

Gifting a Vehicle

Immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild) may transfer a vehicle as a gift without paying HST. You’ll need to complete a Family Gift Affidavit form and bring all standard documentation listed above.

Final Thoughts on Registering a Car in New Brunswick

Whether you’re buying a used car or bringing one into the province, registering a car in New Brunswick is a straightforward process—as long as you have the right documents and follow the steps outlined above. From getting your MVI to paying the HST and choosing your registration term, each step plays an important role in making your vehicle road legal.

If you’re looking to simplify the entire car buying and registration process, consider purchasing your next vehicle from Clutch. As Canada’s first 100% online car retailer, Clutch lets you shop from the comfort of home and enjoy delivery straight to your door—including in New Brunswick. Every vehicle is thoroughly inspected, comes with a limited warranty, and we can help guide you through registration so you’re ready to drive.