
Filling out a car title in New Jersey requires attention to detail to avoid delays. The most critical step is ensuring the seller and buyer complete their sections accurately and that the odometer reading is correct. Mistakes can lead to complications at the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
As the seller, you are responsible for the top half of the NJ title (Form OS/SS-7). You must print and sign your name exactly as it appears on the title. Enter the sale date, selling price, and the exact odometer reading. Inaccurate odometer disclosure is a serious offense. You must also provide the buyer with a signed, notarized Title Certificate and a separate, notarized Odometer Disclosure Statement if your title does not have a dedicated section for it.
The buyer fills out the application section on the bottom of the title. This includes your full name, address, and the vehicle's details. Both parties should review the entire document for accuracy before the buyer takes it to the MVC. The buyer must also complete a Vehicle Registration Application (Form BA-49) and present proof of .
| Required Documents & Fees for Buyer at MVC | Details |
|---|---|
| Completed & Notarized Title | Signed by seller and buyer. |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | If not printed on the title. |
| Vehicle Registration Application (BA-49) | For new title and registration. |
| Proof of Insurance | New Jersey minimum liability coverage. |
| Sales Tax | Paid on the purchase price unless exempt. |
| Title Fee | $60. |
| Registration Fee | Varies by vehicle type. |
Schedule an appointment at a local MVC agency to submit the paperwork. The MVC will issue a new title in the buyer's name, which is typically mailed within a few weeks.

Just went through this. The seller handles the top part—signing, dating, and writing the mileage. Make sure they get it notarized; that’s key. You, as the buyer, fill out your info on the bottom. Double-check everything, especially the VIN and odometer numbers. Then you take the notarized title, your license, and info to the MVC. They’ll handle the rest. It’s straightforward if the paperwork is right.

The process hinges on the seller. They must complete the transfer section on the title and have their signature notarized. As a buyer, your job is to accurately fill in your personal details on the title application section. The most common hiccup is an incorrect odometer statement. Both parties must review the document before the buyer heads to the MVC with proof of to finalize the transfer and pay the required taxes and fees.

From my experience, the seller's role is the most involved. They need to print their name, sign, record the exact odometer reading, and get the signature notarized. The buyer completes their section with name and address. The biggest mistake is rushing. Take a moment to verify every field—VIN, dates, mileage, and spelling of names. Any error means a trip back to the notary and a delay. Organized paperwork makes the MVC visit quick.

Think of it as a two-part handoff. The seller’s duty is to properly release the vehicle by filling out and notarizing their portion of the title. The buyer’s responsibility is to accept it by applying for a new title. Key details like the sale price affect the tax you’ll pay. Have your driver’s license and New Jersey card ready. The MVC website has checklists, but it boils down to accurate information and notarized seller signatures.


