Transferring a car title in New Jersey involves a straightforward process at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agency, primarily requiring the properly signed title, valid identification, and payment of fees. The key is ensuring the title is filled out correctly by both the seller and buyer to avoid delays. If there's a loan on the car, you must first secure the title from the lienholder.
Essential documents you'll need include the original certificate of title signed by the seller, a Vehicle Registration Application (Form BA-49), proof of New Jersey insurance, and your driver's license. If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, you may also need an Odometer Disclosure Statement, which is often part of the title itself. The seller should provide a bill of sale, especially for calculating the sales tax.
The standard fees are a $60 title fee and a registration fee, which varies by vehicle. You'll also pay a 6.625% sales tax on the purchase price or the standard minimum taxable amount set by the MVC, whichever is higher.
| Common NJ Title Transfer Fees (2024) | Cost |
|---|
| Title Certificate Fee | $60 |
| Registration Fee (Standard Passenger Car) | ~$85.50 |
| Lienholder Notation (if applicable) | $5 |
| Duplicate Title (if original is lost) | $60 |
| Sales Tax (on purchase price) | 6.625% |
After gathering documents, schedule an appointment at your local MVC agency. The clerk will process the paperwork, collect fees, and issue a new title and registration in your name. For transfers due to inheritance, you'll need a copy of the death certificate and the will or surrogate’s paperwork. The MVC website has checklists to ensure you have everything.
