New Jersey car title transfer

At a glance

Bill of sale

The seller gives the buyer the signed title with a bill of sale.

Odometer

The seller gives an accurate odometer reading at the time of sale.

Buyer's deadline

The title is transferred within 10 working days of the sale to avoid a $25 penalty.

Plates

The seller removes the plates and surrenders them or moves them to another of the seller's vehicles; plates never go to the new owner.

Title fee

$60 for a standard vehicle; $85 with one lien, $110 with two.

Agency

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)

The MVC's steps for an in-state sale don't include a notary. When an out-of-state title, a lost-title affidavit or a gift statement does need one, our vehicle title notary can meet you.

If you're selling

1. Find the title and clear any lien. Have the original title in hand. If a lender is listed, get the lien release or the lender's sign-off before the sale; the buyer can't title the car over an open lien.
2. Write down the mileage. The seller gives an accurate odometer reading at the time of sale.
3. Give the buyer a bill of sale. The seller gives the buyer the signed title with a bill of sale.
4. Deal with the plates. The seller removes the plates and surrenders them or moves them to another of the seller's vehicles; plates never go to the new owner.
5. Cancel insurance and keep copies. Once the car is gone and the plates are off, call your insurer. Keep a photo of the signed title, the bill of sale and any sale report.

If you're buying

1. Check the title against the car and the seller. The VIN on the title should match the car, and the seller's ID should match the owner's name on the title. Ask about any lien listed on it.
2. Get a bill of sale. The seller gives the buyer the signed title with a bill of sale.
3. Check the mileage entry. The seller gives an accurate odometer reading at the time of sale.
4. Insure the car before you drive it. Most states require insurance to register. Arrange it before driving away.
5. Title it in your name in time. The title is transferred within 10 working days of the sale to avoid a $25 penalty.
6. Plates and fees. The seller removes the plates and surrenders them or moves them to another of the seller's vehicles; plates never go to the new owner. Title fee: $60 for a standard vehicle; $85 with one lien, $110 with two.

Sold on the first of a month? See the due date for a December 1, 2026 sale.

Your own checklist, marked step by step: seller · buyer.

In the agency's words

Bill of sale

"give it to the buyer, along with a bill of sale including the following information"

Deadline

"must be transferred within 10 working days from the date of sale"

Plates

"can be transferred to another vehicle, but not to another owner."

Not stated on the pages we read: the seller's notary rule, the buyer's notary rule.

Official sources

• NJ MVC: Transferring Vehicle Ownership (checked November 2026)
• NJ MVC: Pre-owned Vehicle Title (checked November 2026)

General information, not legal advice; we are not lawyers. Checked November 2026 against the official pages listed above. Forms, fees and deadlines change, a county office can add its own steps, and gifts, estates, liens and out-of-state titles follow other rules; the agency or an attorney can tell you how a rule applies to your sale. MCC Solutions is not affiliated with any motor vehicle agency.

Common questions

All states: car title notarization by state · Nevada · Pennsylvania