The Step-by-Step Guide for a New Jersey Title Transfer

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Transferring a vehicle’s title in of New Jersey needs to be done if you plan to change ownership such as through a private auto sale. This title transfer process would also need to take place if gifting a vehicle. Or if you’re transferring a title to a family member through inheritance.

Your NJ car status can be found through the NJMVC website. This provides current information about the status of your vehicle’s title. With this information, you’ll then need to get the certificate of title by filing the right paperwork and paying the appropriate fees.

Leasing owners will need a power of attorney when transferring the vehicle title. This includes the OS/SS-7 paperwork and paying the $65 – $85 transfer fee. Everyone else should follow the steps below for most instances of the transfer process.

Title Transfers in New Jersey: Step-by-Step

A title transfer is simple with both parties are present, and paperwork ready. The transfer should happen within 10-days of the sale else you’ll pay a $25 late fee.

Don’t have the title? Follow the title replacement process. Got one and ready to get it transferred between parties? Let’s begin!

Private Sales

  1. Remove or surrender the plates
  2. File and sign the vehicle title
    1. Sign it
    2. Fill in buyer or seller info
    3. Record the sale date
    4. Record the odometer
    5. Write the sale price
    6. Buyer: Include your license number or EIN
  3. File the paperwork
    1. Used sale: Vehicle Registration Application (BA-49)
    2. If applicable: Power of Attorney
  4. Show your personal documents:
    1. Proof of ID
    2. Proof of insurance
  5. Pay the $60 standard vehicle title fee
  6. Pay the registration fee(s)
  7. Pay any applicable sales taxes

Head on down to your NJMVC when you’re ready (click to find an NJ MVC).

Dealerships

Dealerships handle the paperwork and registrations with the title transfer. You may choose to bring documents from the dealer to register the vehicle, too, depending on your dealer.

Out-of-state Vehicles

You’ll do the title transfer and vehicle registration if you moved to New Jersey. You may also want to get an NJ driver’s license to simplify ownership. You’ll need to register your vehicle within 60-days of residency. This is how it’s done:

  1. Your documents
    1. Driver’s license
    2. Auto insurance
  2. Vehicle documents
    1. Option #1: Vehicle title
    2. Option #2: Out-of-state registration documents
  1. Applications
    1. Owners: Application for Certificate of Ownership (OS/SS-7 form)
    2. Liens: Lienholder approval, Application for Certificate of Ownership (OS/SS-7 form), and registration (for leaseholders)
    3. Lease: Power of Attorney paperwork and OS/SS-7 form
  1. Payments
    1. $85 title transfer

…and pay any other registration fees applicable to your transfer and registration. You’ll then process the vehicle the same as you would the normal registration process.

New Jersey Title Fees and Taxes

Your NJMVC accepts all forms of payment methods.

Typical fees include:

  • Title Transfer: $65 – $85
  • Duplicate Title: $60
  • Registration: $35.50 to $84.00

Refer to NJMVC’s fee table for full details of what you may need to pay. Refer to the county and state taxes document for more information.