Registering in NJ, but not as an RV.

[Eddie5499]

Hey all, I recently bought a bus that I'm not looking to do a full conversion on, so I can't really register it as an RV in Jersey considering the extreme requirements they have. I'm considering going the Vermont route, but really did want to try registering it here first.


I went to the DMV to register today and all was well until the end, when they realized it was titled as a school bus, said they would not register it as a school bus, and redirected me to a phone number for the "special titles unit," which I will be calling soon.


Has anyone had success with registering a non converted bus in Jersey with this special titles unit, or at all? How should I go about this?


Thanks in advance.

[Oldyeller]

Congrats on your bus purchase and welcome to the nut house.

I'm in New Jersey. I bought a bus a couple years ago with the intention of doing a conversion so I didn't try to register it as a bus in NJ. I went straight to the Vermont solution and got it registered pretty painlessly as a motorhome. For me the problem was insurance. It took me over a year to get insurance on it and I had to take a convoluted route to get it. I don't know if I was just doing something wrong or if it's just that hard to get insurance on a bus in NJ. I'll be interested to see how it goes for you.

[Eddie5499]

Thanks!


At this point I'm thinking we'll probably go the Vermont route unless we call this special titles unit and it somehow works out fine. The only thing I'm worried about with Vermont is that we don't have it painted yet, but they don't really check that as far as I know.


We actually got insurance extremely easily. We called the first progressive agent we found, they quoted us for about $850 a year, and we took it. Maybe its because we never claimed we would be using it as an rv, and just said we'd be taking it hiking.

[Oldyeller]

Originally Posted by Eddie5499

Thanks!


At this point I'm thinking we'll probably go the Vermont route unless we call this special titles unit and it somehow works out fine. The only thing I'm worried about with Vermont is that we don't have it painted yet, but they don't really check that as far as I know.


We actually got insurance extremely easily. We called the first progressive agent we found, they quoted us for about $850 a year, and we took it. Maybe its because we never claimed we would be using it as an rv, and just said we'd be taking it hiking.

At the time I was trying to get insurance, my bus was already registered in VT as a motorhome. Don't know if that was the reason I had such trouble or not.

When I registered mine in VT, it was yellow. I believe others here have indicated colors other than yellow and had no problem either. The point is VT wants your money.

[Eddie5499]

Yeah I think it should work out fine, I'm just doing it in person so I hope they don't ask for pics, but I haven't heard anyone else that did it in person mention anything like that.

[Evey_c]

I found out that in New Jersey you can convert the title from bus to van if you follow Specific Instructions and you must do it through the mail only. This cannot be done at an agency. This was difficult to find out because apparently the agencies don't know this procedure. I'm going to copy and paste the email I received and instructions here for you. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Attached you will find the paperwork for the Bus to Van Procedure.* Any questions, you can contact the Foreign Title unit at 609-292-6500 ext #5064.
*
Once completed, we suggest you send the documents to us certified mail.*

*
NJMVC-Foreign Titles
225 East State St
Box 017
Trenton, NJ 08666
*
*
Thank you
MVC Special Titles
Foreign Title Unit
609-292-6500 ext #5064

BUS TO VAN Requirements :

Original NJ Title is always required and must be in customer's name.

Pencil tracing or photograph clearly showing the complete VIN.

$60.00 check or money order made payable to: NJMVC ($85.00 if a lien)

Original receipts for all parts used in the vehicle construction.

Color photographs clearly showing the entire exterior and interior of the vehicle.
Photos cannot cut off any portion and must show all angles
Photos must be taken after the conversion has been made.

Remove most of the seats from the bus.

Remove emergency lights including the side mounted stop sign.

Repaint the exterior of the vehicle. (Cannot remain any shade of yellow)



When mailing in original documents, we suggest sending it certified, ups or fed ex to the following address.

NJ-MVC
Foreign Titles
225 E State Street
Box 017
Trenton, NJ 08666

Thank you and have a great day
Foreign Title unit

[Edyy67]

The last comment bus to van.. does this count for a 30 passenger mini bus.. would it still be considered a commercial vehicle. I want to use on of these to install carpet .

[Evey_c]

Originally Posted by Edyy67

The last comment bus to van.. does this count for a 30 passenger mini bus.. would it still be considered a commercial vehicle. I want to use on of these to install carpet .

I would call the number just to be sure, since they were very helpful. But if you follow the requirements, you should be good to go.