How to transfer a car title in New Jersey
For private sellers and buyers in New Jersey. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in New Jersey, the seller takes off the plates, signs the seller's section on the back of the title and gives the buyer a bill of sale. The buyer signs, adds a driver's license number and transfers the title in person at a motor vehicle agency within ten working days of the sale.
What do the buyer and seller each do in New Jersey?
Seller
- Take off the plates and turn them in at a motor vehicle agency, unless you move them to another car you own.
- Sign the seller's section on the back of the title and give it to the buyer.
- Give the buyer a bill of sale with the buyer's name and address, the date of sale, the odometer reading and the price.
- Write down an accurate odometer reading at the time of sale.
Buyer
- Sign the buyer's section on the back of the title and add your driver's license number.
- Take the title to a motor vehicle agency. This cannot be done by mail.
- Do it within 10 working days of the sale to avoid a penalty.
- A gift is exempt from sales tax only if the price line on the back of the title says it is a gift.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission before you go: nj.gov
How do I sign over a car title in New Jersey?
Step 1 · Seller
Take off the plates.
Turn them in at a motor vehicle agency unless you move them to another car you own. Plates do not go to the buyer.
Step 2 · Seller
Sign the back of the title.
Sign the seller's section, write the odometer reading and give the title to the buyer.
Step 3 · Seller
Give the buyer a bill of sale.
Include the buyer's name and address, the date of sale, the odometer reading and the sale price.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission asks for a bill of sale when a car is sold. nj.gov checked
New Jersey bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in New Jersey?
Step 1 · Buyer
Sign the buyer's section of the title.
Add your driver's license number.
Step 2 · Buyer
Visit a motor vehicle agency.
Transfer the title in person, fill in the Vehicle Registration Application (BA-49) if it applies, and get plates.
Step 3 · Buyer
Go within 10 working days.
After that, a penalty applies.
After MVC processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
New Jersey guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in New Jersey · Steps to buy a car in New Jersey
- New Jersey bill of saleWhat to include. No official form found
- Replace a lost title in New JerseyDuplicate title (OS/SS-UTA)
- Car title after a death in New JerseyThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in New Jersey?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | Being checked | Buyer | nj.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | Due at the agency, on the price | Buyer | nj.gov Checked |
| Penalty after 10 working days (if it applies) | $25 | Buyer | nj.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | Not confirmed yet |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the New Jersey Division of Taxation.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for New Jersey are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Universal Title Application (OS/SS-UTA).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
Can I transfer a New Jersey title by mail?
No. A change of ownership is only done in person at a motor vehicle agency.
nj.gov checked
What if the buyer misses the deadline?
A penalty of $25 applies if the title is not transferred within ten working days of the sale.
nj.gov checked
Does the seller keep the plates?
Yes. Take them off and turn them in at a motor vehicle agency, unless you move them to another car you own. They never go to the buyer.
nj.gov checked
Is a gifted car taxed in New Jersey?
Not if the price line on the back of the title says it is a gift.
nj.gov checked
Sources for this page
- nj.gov/mvc/
vehicles/ Checkedpreowntitle.htm - nj.gov/mvc/
vehicles/ Checkedtitlenew.htm - nj.gov/mvc/
vehicles/ Checkedtransowner.htm
About this page
This page summarizes official New Jersey sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.