Free guide — New Brunswick
Register your out-of-province vehicle in New Brunswick
Step-by-step guide for new New Brunswick residents — inspection requirements, time limit, documents needed, and a free downloadable checklist.
Key facts at a glance
Agency
Motor Vehicle Branch via Service NB
Time limit
as soon as you become a resident
Inspection required
New Brunswick safety inspection ($45, valid 2 years)
Insurance
Separate private insurer
Time limit
as soon as you become a resident
New Brunswick requires registration as soon as you become a resident. The commonly cited "90-day" window is NOT the official standard -- the official position is "immediately" upon becoming a New Brunswick resident.
Vehicle inspection
New Brunswick safety inspection ($45, valid 2 years)
RequiredYou have 14 days after completing registration to obtain the NB safety inspection. Valid PEI and Nova Scotia inspection stickers are honoured until their expiry date.
Documents you'll need
- Out-of-province vehicle registration
- New Brunswick auto insurance (required before registering)
- Government-issued photo ID
Watch out for
As of April 1, 2026, New Brunswick no longer issues vehicle registration stickers -- enforcement is electronic. NB auto insurance must be in place before you can register. You have 14 days after registration to obtain the NB safety inspection.
Your New Brunswick registration checklist
Your New Brunswick registration checklist
Step-by-step for New Brunswick
Follow these steps in order. Download the PDF to keep an offline copy.
Watch out for
As of April 1, 2026, New Brunswick no longer issues vehicle registration stickers -- enforcement is electronic. NB auto insurance must be in place before you can register. You have 14 days after registration to obtain the NB safety inspection.
Step 1 — Check your deadline
New Brunswick requires registration as soon as you become a resident. The commonly cited "90-day" window is NOT the official standard -- the official position is "immediately" upon becoming a New Brunswick resident.
Step 2 — Gather your documents
Out-of-province vehicle registration
New Brunswick auto insurance (required before registering)
Government-issued photo ID
Step 3 — Vehicle inspection
New Brunswick safety inspection ($45, valid 2 years)
You have 14 days after completing registration to obtain the NB safety inspection. Valid PEI and Nova Scotia inspection stickers are honoured until their expiry date.
Step 4 — Register your vehicle
Visit Motor Vehicle Branch via Service NB
Motor Vehicle Branch via Service NBGeneral information only — not legal or regulatory advice.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to register my out-of-province vehicle in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick requires registration as soon as you become a resident. The commonly cited "90-day" window is NOT the official standard -- the official position is "immediately" upon becoming a New Brunswick resident.
What inspection is required in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick requires a New Brunswick safety inspection ($45, valid 2 years). You have 14 days after completing registration to obtain the NB safety inspection. Valid PEI and Nova Scotia inspection stickers are honoured until their expiry date.
Where do I register in New Brunswick?
Register through Motor Vehicle Branch via Service NB. Official Motor Vehicle Branch via Service NB page →
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Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer