You may apply for a duplicate vehicle title if your original title is lost, stolen, or damaged. A vehicle with a missing title cannot be bought or sold, so owners must apply for and obtain a replacement before they can sell their vehicle.

[edit] WHAT YOU NEED WHEN APPLYING FOR A DUPLICATE/REPLACEMENT TITLE

1. Complete the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership form, making sure to indicate on the form that you are applying for a duplicate title.
2. Once completed, you must have the application form properly notarized.
3. A copy of the current or expired registration and proof of insurance must also be submitted.
4. If your title shows a lien holder, you must include a statement from the current/old lien holder with the following points:
5. Owners' name.
6. Vehicle information - model, year and Vehicle Identification Number.
7. A letter stating that the title is not in his/her possession and that the vehicle was paid for in full.
8. If your original title is damaged or mutilated, you must return the original title when applying for a replacement and include a letter stating the reason for the damage, your name and address, vehicle information including model, year and Vehicle Identification Number.

[edit] FEES

Along with your application form and the other materials, you must submit a $25 duplicate title fee for a lost or stolen license and a $20 duplicate title fee for a damaged/mutilated title. Checks and money orders should be payable to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Cash is not accepted.

[edit] SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION

You can submit the application and fees for a duplicate title, in case of the original being lost or stolen, at your local MVC Agency, or mail the package to:

State of New Jersey
Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Services
P.O. Box 017
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0017    

You can submit the application and fees for a duplicate title, in case of the original being mutilated or damaged, at your local MVC Agency, or mail the package to:

Motor Vehicle Commission
Database Correction Unit
P.O. Box 141
225 E. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666-0141    

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If more than two weeks have passed since you applied for a replacement title, you can call 609-292-6500 to check the status of the application.
• See also Title Transfers, Replacing Your License, and Replacing your Registration.
• See also Address Changes and Bill of Sale.