Transferring a Car Title in New Jersey
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in New Jersey when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: Ownership transfers must be done in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission agency, not by mail. The seller removes and surrenders the plates (unless moving them to another vehicle they own), signs the seller's section on the back of the title, and gives the buyer the title and a bill of… NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, Transferring Vehicle Ownership
| Transferring a car title | Ownership transfers must be done in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission agency, not by mail. The seller removes and surrenders the plates (unless moving them to another vehicle they own), signs the seller's section on the back of the title, and gives the buyer the title and a bill of sale with the buyer's name and address, sale date, odometer reading and price. The buyer signs the buyer's section, adds their driver's license number, and visits an agency to transfer the title, complete a Vehicle Registration Application (BA-49) if needed, and get plates. To avoid a $25 penalty, New Jersey titles must be transferred within 10 working days of the sale. The title fee is $60 ($85 for a financed vehicle). |
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| Registering after you move | New residents must transfer their out-of-state driver's license and their vehicle title and registration within 60 days of moving (or before the current license or registration expires, whichever is first); the MVC page notes 120 days during a Public Health Emergency. Bring identification, the original title, insurance information, a Universal Title Application (OS/SS-UTA) and a Vehicle Registration Application (BA-49). Customers receive a temporary inspection card with the new registration. |
More New Jersey car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in New Jersey
- Driving Without Insurance in New Jersey
- SR-22 Insurance in New Jersey
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in New Jersey
- All New Jersey car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in New Jersey?
Ownership transfers must be done in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission agency, not by mail. The seller removes and surrenders the plates (unless moving them to another vehicle they own), signs the seller's section on the back of the title, and gives the buyer the title and a bill of sale with the buyer's name and address, sale date, odometer reading and price. The buyer signs the buyer's section, adds their driver's license number, and visits an agency to transfer the title, complete a Vehicle Registration Application (BA-49) if needed, and get plates. To avoid a $25 penalty, New Jersey titles must be transferred within 10 working days of the sale. The title fee is $60 ($85 for a financed vehicle).
How long do you have to register your car after moving to New Jersey?
New residents must transfer their out-of-state driver's license and their vehicle title and registration within 60 days of moving (or before the current license or registration expires, whichever is first); the MVC page notes 120 days during a Public Health Emergency. Bring identification, the original title, insurance information, a Universal Title Application (OS/SS-UTA) and a Vehicle Registration Application (BA-49). Customers receive a temporary inspection card with the new registration.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.