Look, we’ve all been there. You pack the cooler, wrestle the umbrella into the sand, finally sit down with your book, and then you see them. The badge checkers. They’re just doing their job, obviously, but if you don't have that little piece of plastic pinned to your bag, your relaxing morning just turned into a frantic dash for your wallet. Getting your brigantine new jersey beach tags shouldn't be a headache, but every year people mess up the deadlines or pay way more than they should because they didn't check the calendar.
Brigantine is different from Atlantic City. It’s quieter, sure, but it’s not free. If you’re planning to plant your chair anywhere on the island between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, you need a tag. Period. Well, unless you’re under 12, then you’re good. But for everyone else, the rules are pretty specific and the town doesn't really do "I forgot" as an excuse.
The Cost of Procrastination: 2026 Rates
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is waiting until June to buy their tags. Why pay more for the exact same access? If you’re a planner, you win here.
For the 2026 season, the price structure is tiered. If you get your life together and buy your brigantine new jersey beach tags by May 31st, a seasonal tag is only $20. Once June 1st hits? The price jumps to $25. It’s only a five-dollar difference, but if you’re buying for a family of four, that’s twenty bucks—basically the price of a couple of hoagies at the local deli.
If you aren't a local or a frequent flyer, you probably don't need the full season pass. You’ve got options:
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- Daily Tags: $10 (Prices can fluctuate, but this is the standard rate for 2026).
- Weekly Tags: $15 (This is the "sweet spot" if you're down for a Saturday-to-Saturday rental).
- Seasonal (Pre-season): $20 until May 31.
- Seasonal (Regular): $25 starting June 1.
One thing people always ask: "Are they free on Wednesdays?" Nope. That's a Sea Isle City thing. In Brigantine, if the sun is out and the lifeguards are on the stands, you need a tag.
Where to Actually Find Them
You can't just buy these at any old convenience store. You have to go to the source. The primary spot is the Beach Fee Office, located at the Brigantine Community Center on 42nd Street (specifically 265 42nd St).
Usually, they’re open from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, but if you're coming down on a weekend in the off-season, call first (609-264-7350). Things get weird with hours in the winter.
If you’re a fan of technology, you can order them online through the Jersey Cape Tags website. They’ll ship them right to your house. Just keep in mind there’s a convenience fee and shipping costs. If you’re buying one tag, it might not be worth the extra $6 or $7 in fees. If you’re buying five? It beats standing in line at the Community Center on a Saturday morning when you’d rather be hitting the surf.
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The Senior and Military Perks (Don't Skip This)
Brigantine is actually pretty legendary for how they treat seniors and vets. If you are 65 or older, you can get a free beach tag. But—and this is a big "but"—you can't just show your ID to the kid checking badges on the sand. You have to physically go to the Beach Fee Office with your ID to pick up your free physical tag. You only get one per person, so don't try to stock up for the grandkids.
For those aged 60 to 64, there is a "Senior" rate of $10 if purchased before the May 31st deadline. After that, it goes up to the regular price.
Active duty military and veterans also get a break. Active military members can get up to four free tags for their family. Veterans get a free tag for themselves. Again, you need your paperwork (DD214 or military ID) and you must go to the office.
Driving on the Beach: The 4x4 Factor
We can't talk about brigantine new jersey beach tags without mentioning the 4x4 permits. Brigantine is one of the few places left where you can actually drive your truck onto the sand, specifically at the Cove or the North End.
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This is not a cheap hobby. For 2026, a 4x4 permit will run you $200 if you buy it early (Jan 1 – May 3). If you wait until the summer rush (May 5 – Sept 30), it's $300.
A few things to remember before you go full "off-road" mode:
- Equipment is mandatory. They will check. You need a shovel, a tow chain, a jack with a wooden board, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
- No AWD. The city is strict about this. It has to be a true 4x4. If you show up in a crossover that says AWD on the back, they might turn you away.
- Tire pressure. Drop it. Seriously. If you don't air down to about 15-18 psi, you will get stuck, and the local tow companies charge a small fortune to pull you out while everyone at the Cove watches and laughs.
Misconceptions and Local "Secrets"
People think the North End is "wild" and doesn't require tags. That’s sort of true if you’re just walking the trails in the Natural Area, but if you’re sitting on the beach in the municipal zones, the rules apply.
Also, don't lose your tag. If it falls off your bag and sinks into the sand, the city doesn't care. There are no replacements. You’ll be buying a new one at the daily rate or heading back to the office for another seasonal. It’s smart to use a safety pin or a heavy-duty clip. Those flimsy little plastic hooks they come with are useless in a stiff Atlantic breeze.
Your 2026 Beach Ready Checklist
If you want to handle this like a pro and save some cash, follow this timeline:
- Before May 31: Buy your seasonal tags online or at the 42nd Street office for $20.
- Check your vehicle: If you're getting a 4x4 permit, make sure your fire extinguisher isn't expired and your shovel isn't rusted through.
- Seniors/Vets: Plan a trip to the Community Center early in the season. Don't wait for a holiday weekend when the line is out the door.
- Keep it visible: Pin that tag to your cooler or beach bag. It saves the checkers from having to wake you up from your nap.
By following these steps, you’ll spend less time worrying about the rules and more time actually enjoying the sand. Once you have that tag in hand, you're set for the whole summer. Just make sure to grab a sub from Ernest & Son on your way to the beach—that's the real local move.