Vehicle owners wondering how to perform an out of state car title transfer in New Jersey must note that they will be required to submit the necessary documents and fee payments in person through an office of the state Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). It is also important to know that, when transferring an out of state car title, you will also be required to apply for a new car registration.

To learn more about the out of state car title transfer process in NJ and when to perform a title transfer, read the sections outlined below.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in New Jersey?

Learning more about the New Jersey cross state car title transfer procedure is a valuable step toward ensuring a successful title transfer for a nonresident vehicle. Car owners wondering what a cross state title transfer is should note that it is a titling process that is completed in order to replace an invalid out-of-state title with a title certificate issued by the motor vehicle department of an applicant’s new state of residence.

Failure to re-title a car in another state DMV’s records will impede the car registration process. In such cases, vehicle owners will be unable to legally operate their vehicles until they obtain the necessary documents distributed by the MVC.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in New Jersey?

It it is important to note that the title transfer process can only take place if the vehicle was previously titled in another state. Therefore, you will be required to complete the out of state car title transfer for a new vehicle only if the out-of-state seller gave you a title at the time of purchase.

You will be required to transfer a car title for each nonresident vehicle you plan to drive within New Jersey, and this requirement applies for both new state residents and existing residents who have purchased a used vehicle from an out-of-state seller.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in New Jersey

When completing the process of transferring an out of state car title in New Jersey, applicants will be required to meet several requirements, such as paying the application fees and submitting the necessary paperwork. Keep in mind that the documents needed for an out of state title transfer may differ slightly depending on several factors.

The following out of state title transfer paperwork, for instance, is required to obtain vehicle documents after moving to the state:

  • The original out-of-state car title
  • A completed application for a certificate of ownership
  • A filled out vehicle registration application
  • Proof of a valid car insurance coverage
  • Proof of identification, such as a driving license

Note: If a lienholder is in possession of your vehicle title, you will be required to fill out an application for the release of the title, which will be sent to the state MVC.

Apart from the out of state car title transfer information and documents outlined above, vehicle owners may be required to submit additional paperwork under certain circumstances. For instance, if you are transferring an out of state car title for a vehicle purchased from outside of the state, you will need a proof that the title was legally signed over and a bill of sale to prove that a transaction took place. You may also be required to provide official odometer information and other details about your vehicle.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in New Jersey as a New Resident

Because the state MVC must verify the submitted documentation immediately, finalizing a New Jersey out of state title transfer in person is the standard application method for transferring a car title. Therefore, car owners who would like to complete an out of state title transfer online must remember that the commission does not yet offer this option.

If you follow the steps to complete an out of state title transfer as a new resident, you will be given your new title and car registration documents as soon as they are manufactured. However, if your title displays a lien or you are leasing your vehicle, the state MVC will mail the title to the lienholder or leasing company, respectively.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in New Jersey After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

The process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car from an out-of-state seller follows the same steps as those that apply when titling a vehicle as a new state resident. To finalize the out of state title transfer after buying a car, vehicle owners will be required to submit the documents and fee payments that correspond to their specific request through a nearby motor vehicle agency. If you successfully complete an in person out of state title transfer after buying a vehicle, the state MVC will issue your new title, registration card and license plates as soon as possible.

In addition to completing the NJ out of state auto title transfer after purchasing a used vehicle, you will also be required to file for a title transfer if you have received a vehicle as a gift or by means of inheritance. Under such circumstances, however, you will be required to present additional documentation. For instance, to transfer the out of state vehicle title of an inherited vehicle, you will need a combination of the deceased’s death certificate, a notarized MVC affidavit and a Surrogate’s Short Certificate.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in New Jersey

The cost of transferring an out of state car title in New Jersey will include several fees, since motorists are required to title and register their vehicles simultaneously according to state law. For example, apart from the main titling fee for a standard vehicle or for a financed vehicle, you will also be required to pay varying registration costs.

These costs may differ depending on factors such as the vehicle type, weight, age and the type of license plates you order. Out of state car title transfer fees will also include the state sales tax in the event that you are not eligible for a tax exemption. The fees are as follows:

  • Standard fee: $60
  • Financed vehicle with one lien: $85
  • Financed vehicle with two liens: $110
Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.