Kei Trucks in New Jersey
Street legal: the Special Title Unit, registration, and where to buy
New Jersey has no kei-truck law. Imported vehicles get titled by mail through the MVC's Special Title Unit in Trenton. After that, any MVC agency can register them, and owners report doing so without trouble.
Title byMail, Trenton
Register atAny MVC agency
Kei lawNone
DealersSeveral
Photo: dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons ↗
What New Jersey rules say about kei trucks
No law names kei trucks. They follow the MVC's process for foreign vehicles.
- Foreign vehicles are titled by mail through the Special Title Unit in Trenton.
- Local agencies can't do this first title transfer.
- Once titled, any MVC agency can register the truck.
- Call the unit first (609-341-5718) to confirm the papers it wants.
Sources: New Jersey MVC, "Foreign vehicles" ↗, owner reports. Checked Nov. 9, 2026.
How to title and register a kei truck in New Jersey
Five steps, starting by mail.
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Papers for the Special Title Unit
- Customs entry form CBP 7501
- DOT form HS-7
- EPA form 3520-1
- Japanese export certificate, with an English translation
- Your bill of sale
- Call 609-341-5718 first to confirm the list
If a local agency says no
That's expected for the first title. The MVC's own page explains:
- Titling a Foreign Vehicle ↗: local agencies can't do this transfer. Mail it to the Special Title Unit in Trenton, then register at any agency.
- On paper:
Questions? Call the Special Title Unit at 609-341-5718.
Source: New Jersey MVC. Not legal advice.
Where you can drive one
No special road limits for a registered kei truck.
The Turnpike and Parkway run 55–65 mph and up, so owners stick to local roads.
- Town streetsEasy at kei truck speeds.Good fit
- Local roadsWhere most New Jersey owners drive.Good fit
- Turnpike and ParkwayAllowed, but faster than most kei trucks can go.Too fast for most
Kei trucks for sale in New Jersey
One of the biggest kei importers on the East Coast is in Paterson.
Late-1990s 4WD trucks run $5,700–$7,900 there. Buying from a New Jersey dealer can make the title step easier.
Prices in New Jersey
1998 Honda Acty 4WDAsking · 54,142 miles · Paterson dealer$5,700
1999 Suzuki Carry 4WDAsking · 95,777 miles · Paterson dealer$6,900- 1995 Honda Acty 4WD dumpAsking · 72,492 miles · Paterson dealer$7,900
Seen Nov. 7, 2026. Not offers or guarantees. We're not paid by any dealer.
New Jersey dealers we found
We haven't visited or checked these yet. Call before you drive out.
- PatersonBoeki USAboekiusa.com
Kei truck rules next door to New Jersey
Moving or buying across the line? The rules change at the border.
- New YorkThe DMV won't title or register kei-class vehicles.
Not street legal - PennsylvaniaNo new unrestricted road registration since 2021. Antique plates (25+ years) allow occasional, non-business use.
Not street legal for daily use - DelawareThe DMV refuses titles and plates. A 2023 court ruling upheld that.
Not street legal
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New Jersey questions
Are kei trucks legal in New Jersey?
Yes. The MVC titles imported vehicles through its Special Title Unit, and any agency can then register them.
Where do I title an imported kei truck here?
By mail to the MVC Special Title Unit in Trenton. Local agencies can't do the first title.
What papers does the Special Title Unit want?
Call 609-341-5718 to confirm. Expect the customs entry, HS-7, EPA form, export certificate with translation and bill of sale.
Is New Jersey strict about kei trucks?
No. Unlike its neighbors, New Jersey registers them, and owners report no problems.
Where can I buy a kei truck in New Jersey?
Boeki USA in Paterson is one of the larger kei importers in the country.
Can someone from New York register here?
No. You must register where you live.
Pick your truck: compare the 5 brands
Carry, Acty, Hijet, Sambar or Minicab: see which fits your land, your height and your budget.
Compare kei trucks →
