New Jersey Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | New Jersey DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.625% · Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | OS/SS-51 or Title (lien section) |
New Jersey title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (OS/SS-51 or Title (lien section)) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. New Jersey requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — New Jersey requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with New Jersey DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at New Jersey DMV — within 10 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to New Jersey DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 6.625% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — New Jersey DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with New Jersey DMV the same day as the sale.
New Jersey lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form OS/SS-51 or the lien release section on the existing NJ title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a NJ MVC agency.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean New Jersey title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
New Jersey estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to New Jersey DMV.
Need a New Jersey bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with New Jersey DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create New Jersey Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — New Jersey
How long do I have to transfer a car title in New Jersey?▾
New Jersey requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 10 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a New Jersey title transfer cost?▾
New Jersey charges 6.625% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in New Jersey?▾
Yes — New Jersey requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. New Jersey DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in New Jersey?▾
In New Jersey, the lender must complete OS/SS-51 or Title (lien section) confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to New Jersey DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in New Jersey?▾
New Jersey inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to New Jersey DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: New Jersey DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07