Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn in my damaged car title?
Yes, you must surrender your damaged certificate of title along with a written statement explaining how your title was damaged. The statement should also include your personal information and vehicle details.

Keep in mind that the MVC imposes fines and penalties to drivers who request a duplicate car title while knowingly having the original title in their possession. To avoid paying a fine or being the victim of identity theft or fraudulent activity involving your NJ car title, turn in your damaged/mutilated pink slip to the New Jersey DMV.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in New Jersey

How can I transfer a car title if I have a lien on it?
If there is a lien on your car title, follow the steps provided below to complete a vehicle title transfer with the NJ MVC:
  1. Make sure the lien holder has the NJ corporation code as you cannot complete the title transfer without it.
  2. Visit a MVC office and complete the title release application.
  3. Mail the title release application to the lien holder. Once the lien holder signs off on the transfer, re-visit your MVC location and provide a completed Application for Certificate of Ownership (Form OS/SS-7) and pay the applicable title transfer fee.
  4. Complete a sales tax form, unless you have bought the vehicle outside of New Jersey or you were not an NJ resident when you purchased the car.

Your NJ certificate of title will remain with your lien holder until you obtain a lien release.

After the lien on your vehicle has been paid and the lien holder sends the required paperwork to the NJ DMV, you will receive a car title with a signature of release. If you do not want your car title to show the lien release you can apply for a clean title by submitting the pink slip with the lien release stamp and pay the $85 title transfer fee either by mail or in person.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Jersey

How do I file a police report if my car title was stolen?
In New Jersey, drivers are not required to file a police report if their vehicle title has been lost or stolen. In this case, drivers must apply for a car title replacement at a local MVC office.

However, it is highly suggested to contact a local police department and report your lost vehicle title or stolen pink slip. This will protect you against possible identity theft or fraudulent activity involving your New Jersey vehicle title.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in New Jersey

How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
If your original New Jersey certificate of title has been damaged, lost or stolen, you must apply for a car title copy with the New Jersey DMV. The documents needed to replace a lost car title or stolen vehicle title in NJ include:

A different procedure applies to replace a damaged car title. In this case, drivers are required to provide the following documents:

  • A written statement that includes:
    • The reason for the damage to the original vehicle title.
    • Your name and address.
    • Your vehicle description, including the make, model and VIN.
  • The damaged certificate of title

In both cases, you must also provide payment for the $60 car title replacement fee.

You can submit the request in person at your local NJ DMV or send it by mail.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in New Jersey

How do I obtain a salvaged car title?
Any vehicle that has sustained considerable damage and for which the cost of repair is far greater than the cost of the vehicle, is a savaged vehicle. All vehicles in New Jersey have to be titled, including salvage cars.

To apply for a salvage vehicle title in NJ, submit the following documents to an NJ MVC:

  • A NJ certificate of title, properly assigned to your car insurance company
  • Payment for the titling fee
  • A completed Insurance listing sheet (BA-28), as well as a statement from the auto insurance company explaining how the car was acquired

After the completion of this procedure, the vehicle must undergo a vehicle inspection before being operated on NJ state roads.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Jersey

How do I transfer my car title between states?
If you have recently moved to NJ, you must transfer your out-of-state car title and obtain NJ car registration.

If there is no lien on your vehicle of title, you must transfer car title in person at a NJ DMV location and present your current vehicle title, a completed Application for Certificate of Ownership (Form OS/SS-7) and the applicable car title transfer fee. You will also be required to complete a sales tax form, unless you have bought the vehicle outside of New Jersey or you were not an NJ resident when you purchased the car.

Additional documentation is needed if you are transferring car title to NJ from a state that does not require vehicle titles. Follow the steps provided to complete the car title transfer in this particular case:

  1. Visit a MVC location near you.
  2. Present the vehicle registration.
  3. Submit a completed Bill of Sale.
  4. Submit a completed VIN Verification Statement (Form ISM/SS-321).
  5. Submit a copy of your drivers license.
  6. Submit a completed Application for Certificate of Ownership (Form OS/SS-7).
  7. Pay the car title transfer fee.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Jersey

How do I transfer my car title if I lost the original?
If you have lost your original car title, you must apply for a duplicate New Jersey pink slip. To get a car title copy, visit a NJ MVC location and provide the following documents:

You can also mail the paperwork and payment to the address printed on the form.

If you do not have a certificate of title because you are transferring car title to NJ from a state that does not require vehicle titles, follow the steps provided to complete the car title transfer:

  1. Visit a MVC location near you
  2. Present the vehicle registration
  3. A completed Bill of Sale
  4. A VIN Verification Statement (Form ISM/SS-321)
  5. A copy of your drivers license
  6. A completed Application for Certificate of Ownership (Form OS/SS-7)
  7. Pay the car title transfer fee

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Jersey

How do I transfer my car title?
Drivers in New Jersey are required to transfer a car title if they have recently bought, sold, inherited, gifted or received a vehicle as a gift or donation.

To transfer a car title if you are selling a car, follow these steps:

  1. Remove the license plates of the vehicle and turn them in to the NJ DMV
  2. Complete the back of the title with the following information
  • Buyer s details
  • Date of sale
  • Odometer reading
  • Sale price (If you are gifting the vehicle, use the word “Gift” instead)

If you have recently purchased a vehicle in New Jersey, you must perform a transfer of title with the NJ MVC by:

  • Providing the certificate of title, properly assigned with your signature and drivers license number.
  • Presenting proof of New Jersey car insurance.
  • Paying the title transfer fee.

Note that while you are transferring a car title, you can also register your vehicle. Drivers are required to transfer a car title within 10 business days from the date of sale or purchase, otherwise a penalty fee of $25 will be charged.

If you have inherited a vehicle in NJ, you have 30 days to request a car title transfer with the NJ DMV. To do so, you must:

  • Present the certificate of title.
  • Submit a copy of the death certificate, if you are a surviving spouse and the vehicle is titled in both names.
  • Present a completed Affidavit (Form BA-62) from the surviving spouse, if the vehicle is titled in both names.
  • Submit a Surrogate’s Short Certificate, if the vehicle is left to an heir and not a surviving spouse.
  • Pay the applicable titling and registration fees.

Note that if you have a leased vehicle, you must submit a Power of Attorney from your leasing company, in addition to the completed Application for Certificate of Ownership (Form OS/SS-7) and payment for the titling and registration fees.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Jersey

How do I transfer the title of my RV?
To transfer ownership of an RV, visit an MVC location near you and submit acceptable proof of identity and a properly assigned Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Certificate of Title, as well as payment for the applicable titling fee.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Jersey

How long does it take to receive my replacement car title after ordering online?
Unfortunately, the NJ MVC does not allow drivers to replace a car title online. You can only request a car title copy in person at a nearby DMV location or by mailing the application form to the New Jersey DMV.

Allow the DMV some time to process your payment and application. However, if you still not have received your NJ vehicle title replacement after considerable time has passed, contact the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in New Jersey

If a family member dies and leaves his or her car to me, how do I switch over the title?
If you have inherited a vehicle from a family member, you need to submit the following documents to a NJ MVC location, in order to transfer the vehicle title to your name:
  • The certificate of title
  • A copy of the death certificate, if you are a surviving spouse and the vehicle is titled in both names
  • A completed Affidavit (Form BA-62) from the surviving spouse, if the vehicle is titled in both names
  • A Surrogate’s Short Certificate, if the vehicle is left to an heir and not a surviving spouse;
  • Payment for applicable titling and registration fees

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Jersey

What are some reasons that may require me to transfer my car title?
A certificate of title is a document that proves legal ownership of a vehicle, while the title transfer makes the change of vehicle ownership official. The most common reasons that require you to transfer car title, include:
  • Selling or purchasing a new /used vehicle
  • Gifting or receiving a vehicle as a gift or donation
  • Inheriting a vehicle
  • Changing ownership of the vehicle between family members
  • Changing the name of the vehicle owner

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Jersey

What are the required fees to get a replacement car title?
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission charges a $60 car title replacement fee for drivers who have lost or damaged their original NJ certificate of title, as well as for drivers whose vehicle title has been stolen.

Note that even though the duplicate car title fee is regulated by law, the MVC might still impose a fine if a driver attempts to replace car title while still in possession of a legible and valid NJ certificate of title.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in New Jersey

What documents do I need to present for a replacement car title?
If your original New Jersey certificate of title has been damaged, lost or stolen, you must apply for a car title copy with the New Jersey DMV. The documents needed to replace a lost car title or stolen vehicle title in NJ include:

Different documents are required to replace a damaged car title. In this case you are required to provide the following:

  • A written statement that includes:
    • The reason for the damage to the original vehicle title.
    • Your name and address.
    • Your vehicle description, including the make, model and VIN.
  • The damaged certificate of title

In both cases, you must also provide payment for the $60 car title replacement fee.

You can submit the documents in person a nearby MVC office or mail them to the following address:

State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Special Title Section/Duplicate Titles P.O. Box 017 Trenton, NJ 08666

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in New Jersey

What documents do I need to transfer my car title?
When transferring a car title in New Jersey, you need to provide the following documents:
  • A Certificate of Title, which must contain the following information:
    • Buyer s details
    • Signature of the seller
    • Odometer reading
    • The buyer s drivers license number
    • Date of sale
    • Sale price (or the word “Gift” if you are gifting the vehicle)
  • Proof of New Jersey auto insurance
  • A copy of the death certificate, if you are a surviving spouse transferring pink slip titled in both names.
  • A completed Affidavit (Form BA-62) from the surviving spouse, if the vehicle is titled in both names.
  • A Surrogate’s Short Certificate, if the vehicle is left to an heir and not a surviving spouse.

Keep in mind that you can register your vehicle at the same time with the car title transfer. You must also provide payment for the applicable registration and titling fees.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Jersey

What forms must I fill out for a duplicate car title?
In the event of your vehicle title being lost or stolen, the NJ MVC requires you to complete a Application for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership (Form OS/SS-52).

If you have damaged your certificate of title, you need to present a written statement that includes your personal and vehicle information as well as the reason for the damage to the New Jersey car title.

You can submit the forms in person at your local DMV or send the application by mail to the NJ MVC.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in New Jersey

What if the original is located after my car title replacement has been issued?
Once the NJ MVC issues a duplicate car title, your original title is no longer valid. However, in the event of your lost car title or stolen vehicle title being recovered, submit it to the DMV or properly dispose of it in order to protect yourself from possible identity theft or fraudulent activity involving your New Jersey vehicle title.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in New Jersey

What is the process to get a title for a scooter or motorcycle?
To get a certificate of title for your NJ motorcycle or scooter, visit a nearby MVC office and provide the following documents:
  • Proof of New Jersey auto insurance
  • A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO or MCO) or a notarized Bill of Sale from the previous owner
  • Payment for the applicable titling and registration fees

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Jersey

When should I complete a Bill of Sale?
A Bill of Sale is used when the Certificate of Ownership or Certificate of Title is unavailable, for instance if you are transferring car title from a state that does not require vehicle titles. The Bill of Sale can also be used as additional proof of the transaction between the buyer and seller.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New Jersey

Where can I mail my request for a replacement title?
Drivers requesting a NJ car title replacement, can submit an application in person at a local MVC location or send the request by mail to the following address:

State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Special Title Section/Duplicate Titles P.O. Box 017 Trenton, NJ 08666

When applying for a duplicate vehicle title, make sure to include payment for the $60 car title copy fee in the form of check or money order made out to the MVC.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in New Jersey

Will I need to present proof of insurance to get a car title replacement?
Yes, you must present proof of NJ vehicle insurance when replacing car title. Once you purchase auto insurance from a state-approved insurance provider, you will be issued a New Jersey Insurance Identification Card, which you must present when requesting a duplicate vehicle title. If you have lost or you have not received an insurance ID, you need to provide the NJ MVC with the name of your insurance company, as well as your insurance policy number.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in New Jersey