How To Transfer a Car Title in New Jersey 2026
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is authorized by N.J.S.A. 39:10-11 to issue a Certificate of Ownership to any buyer upon the transfer of a motor vehicle. All title transfers must be completed in person at a motor vehicle agency within 10 working days of the date of sale. New Jersey sales tax applies to all vehicle purchases unless the transaction qualifies for a recognized sales tax exemption.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in New Jersey
The documents are required for a standard private-party title transfer of a pre-owned vehicle. Additional items may be required for out-of-state titles, financed vehicles, or business-entity purchasers.
| Document | Responsible Party |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Ownership (title), properly assigned with seller/buyer details | Seller |
| Odometer reading recorded on title at time of sale | Seller |
| Bill of sale (date, price, mileage, buyer/seller info) | Seller |
| Vehicle Registration Application (Form BA-49) | Buyer |
| Driver's license or government-issued photo ID | Buyer |
| Proof of current New Jersey automobile insurance | Buyer |
| Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA) — required if vehicle is financed or leased | Buyer |
| Notarized Power of Attorney or General Letter of Authorization (Form LOA-1) — required if a representative acts on behalf of either party | Representative (if applicable) |
| Lien release documentation | Lienholder (if applicable) |
All current MVC forms are published on the NJ MVC Forms page. Original documents are required; photocopies, faxes, and scans are not accepted for evidence of ownership.
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in New Jersey
Step 1: Confirm Title Validity and Lien Status
Before any transaction is finalized, the buyer must verify that the seller's name on the Certificate of Ownership corresponds exactly to their government-issued identification.
If a lien appears on the face of the title, the lienholder must provide a release before a new Certificate of Ownership can be issued to the buyer. For vehicles financed through a lending institution, contact the lender directly to obtain a payoff letter or lien release. If the vehicle carries a loan that will carry over to the buyer, a completed Universal Title Application and the lienholder's financing information must be submitted to the MVC.
Step 2: Complete the Title Assignment
The seller is responsible for fully completing the assignment section on the reverse side of the Certificate of Ownership before delivery to the buyer. This section must include:
- Buyer's full legal name and address
- Buyer's driver's license number or Entity Identification Number (for business purchasers)
- Date of sale
- Stated purchase price (or the word "GIFT" if applicable)
- Accurate odometer reading at the time of sale
- Seller's signature
The seller must also remove the license plates from the vehicle before transfer and either surrender the plates to a motor vehicle agency or apply to have them reassigned to another vehicle of the same class. Plates may not be transferred to a new owner.
Step 3: Prepare the Buyer's Application Package
After receiving the properly assigned title, the buyer assembles the full submission package before the MVC appointment. The package must include:
- The assigned Certificate of Ownership
- Completed Form BA-49 (Vehicle Registration Application)
- Valid driver's license or government-issued photo ID
- Proof of current New Jersey automobile insurance
- Form OS/SS-UTA, if the vehicle is financed or leased
- A notarized Power of Attorney, if a representative will act on behalf of the buyer or seller
- Sales tax payment (or documentation of a qualifying exemption)
Buyers acting on behalf of another party, where the principal has already signed all paperwork, may present either a Power of Attorney or a General Letter of Authorization (Form LOA-1).
Step 4: Schedule and Attend an In-Person MVC Appointment
All non-dealer title transfer transactions must be conducted in person at a designated MVC Vehicle Center. Appointments are strongly recommended and may be scheduled through the MVC appointment portal. Walk-in availability varies by location. Motor vehicle agencies do not accept title transfer transactions by mail, fax, or electronic submission.
Step 5: Pay All Applicable Fees
At the time of submission, the buyer must remit payment for the title fee, registration fee, and applicable sales tax. The MVC accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, check, money order, and cash.
| Transaction | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard title transfer (no lien) | $60.00 |
| Title transfer — financed vehicle, one lien | $85.00 |
| Title transfer — financed vehicle, two liens | $110.00 |
| Late dealer reassignment penalty | $25.00 |
| Registration transfer (plate reassignment) | $4.50 |
| Annual passenger vehicle registration | Varies by weight class and model year |
| Zero-emission vehicle additional annual fee (effective July 1, 2024) | $250.00 (increases $10/year through 2028) |
Step 6: Receive the New Certificate of Ownership
Following successful submission and payment, the MVC processes the application and issues a new Certificate of Ownership in the buyer's name. If no lien is recorded, the title is delivered directly to the buyer. If the vehicle is financed, the Certificate of Ownership is forwarded to the lienholder and held until the loan is satisfied. New registration credentials and license plates are issued at the agency at the time of the transaction. Retain all transaction receipts as proof of the completed transfer.
Contact Information
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
225 East State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08666
Phone: (609) 292-6500
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
