For businesses operating within New Jersey’s automotive industry, securing a New Jersey Entity Identification Number (EIN) is a crucial step for legal and operational compliance. Formerly known as the Corporation Code (Corpcode), this 15-digit EIN is essential for various transactions with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). This guide will provide a detailed walkthrough of how to obtain your EIN, ensuring your car dealership, leasing company, or other automotive business is properly registered.
Entities such as financial institutions, leasing companies, and businesses legally registered outside of New Jersey but operating within the state are also eligible and often required to obtain an EIN.
Before you can apply for a New Jersey EIN, it is mandatory to register your business with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) from the IRS. This FEIN is a prerequisite for the NJ EIN application process.
Certain business structures must also file organizational documents with New Jersey Commercial Recording. These include:
- Corporations (Domestic Profit and Foreign Profit)
- Limited Partnerships
- Limited Liability Partnerships
- Limited Liability Companies
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are exempt from registering with Commercial Recording. However, they must provide either a Business Registration Certificate or a Tax License issued by the New Jersey Division of Revenue, or proof of registration with the County Clerk in the county where the business is physically located.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your New Jersey EIN
To initiate your EIN application, follow these steps meticulously:
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Complete the Application Form: Begin by downloading and filling out the EIN Application (Form BA-8). You can find this form in the ‘Related Links’ section at the end of this article. Ensure all fields are accurately completed.
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Scan and Email Your Application: Once Form BA-8 is completed, scan it and email the digital copy to the designated MVC email address: [email protected].
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Out-of-State Applicant Identification: If your business is based outside of New Jersey, you must also submit a color photocopy of the authorized signatory’s driver’s license or another form of photo identification. Include their mailing address, fax number, and telephone number in your email.
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New Jersey Driver’s License Exemption: Applicants submitting a valid New Jersey driver’s license are not required to provide additional identification documents.
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Proof of Federal EIN (FEIN): Crucially, you must include proof of your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) issued by the IRS. This document is essential for processing your NJ EIN application.
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Proof of Legal Business Registration in NJ: Provide documentation that confirms your company is legally registered to conduct business in New Jersey. Acceptable documents include:
- Certificate of Formation
- Certificate of Incorporation
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Specific Instructions for New Jersey Lienholders: New Jersey lienholders should follow steps 1, 5, and 6 (using Certificate of Incorporation or Formation as proof of NJ business registration). Additionally, specific document requirements apply:
- Banks: Submit banking commission documents.
- Credit Unions: Submit charter papers.
- Other Financial Institutions and Out-of-State Dealers: No additional documents are needed beyond Form BA-8, FEIN proof, and NJ business registration proof.
Alt text: Sample New Jersey EIN Application Form BA-8 showcasing fields for business information, applicant details, and required signatures, emphasizing document submission for corporate code or EIN request.
Understanding the EIN Approval Timeline
It’s important to note that EINs are not issued immediately upon application. Processing times vary, but generally, you can expect the following:
- Processing Time: You will typically receive a response, either via letter or email, within 5 business days of submitting your complete application.
- Application Status Inquiry: If you wish to check on the status of your application, you can email the MVC at [email protected] or call (609) 292-6500 ext. 5003 after waiting for at least three business days.
- Delays: Incomplete applications or failure to provide requested additional information will inevitably delay the review and issuance of your EIN.
- Dealership Vehicle Transactions: If a dealership is handling vehicle titling and registration on your behalf, you can provide the approved EIN directly to the dealership to facilitate the process.
- EIN Assignment Scope: EINs are generally assigned to the company’s home office or to business locations that possess separate Federal or State tax ID numbers.
Important Responsibility: It is your company’s responsibility to ensure that vehicle registration renewal applications are correctly distributed to each of your business locations if applicable.
Updating Your Company Address
If your company’s address changes, you are required to submit an address change request within seven days using the Application for EIN or to Amend a EIN (Form BA-8). The request must include:
- Your existing MVC-issued Entity Identification Number (EIN).
- Your Federal Tax ID Number (FEIN) displaying the current, updated address.
- Both the former and the new company address.
- Current company telephone number.
- Proof of identification of the company officer who is requesting the address change.
- The signature of an individual with the legal authority to sign on behalf of the company.
Address change requests can be submitted via email or mail:
- Email: Scan the required documents and email them to [email protected].
- Mail: Send physical documents to: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, BLS Entity Identification Number, PO Box 170, Trenton, NJ 08666.
Updating Your Company Name
Similar to address changes, company name change requests must also be submitted within seven days using Form BA-8. This applies to various types of name changes, including but not limited to:
- Changing from INC to LLP
- Changing from Non-profit to Profit status
- Changing from CO to INC
- Telephone number updates related to the name change
- Bank purchases of other banks
- Foreign corporation name changes
- General company name changes
Important Note: If a company name change also results in a change to your Federal Tax Identification number, you are required to apply for a completely new New Jersey EIN. In this case, you must provide all the documentation as required for an initial EIN application.
Special Instructions for Out-of-State Companies
If your company is a financial institution, leasing company, or rental car company located outside of New Jersey but you intend to garage, title, and register vehicles within the state, you are eligible to apply for a New Jersey MVC EIN.
- Application Process: Follow steps 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 from the initial EIN application instructions detailed above. Email or mail the completed Form BA-8 and supporting documents to: NJ-MVC Business Licensing Services Bureau PO Box 170 Trenton, NJ 08666, or scan and email to [email protected].
- Expedited Communication: To ensure a quicker response, include detailed contact information within your request.
- Existing Corporate EIN: If your corporate headquarters already possesses an EIN, you are generally required to utilize that existing EIN for your New Jersey vehicle-related activities.
Related Links & Resources
For direct access to the application form, please use the link below:
