When should I use the bill of sale only page?
Use this page when your trailer sale in New Jersey fits a bill of sale only scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Bill of sale only — New Jersey
New Jersey Trailer bill of sale for bill of sale only
Complete your New Jersey trailer bill of sale for a bill of sale only transaction. Enter buyer and seller details, vehicle information, and generate a signed PDF in minutes.
New JerseyTrailerBill of sale only
BN
What to know about bill of sale only sales in New Jersey
If you are selling a vehicle that was never titled (common for pre-1975 vehicles in some states), a bill of sale is the primary ownership document. The buyer must present the bill of sale to the DMV to apply for an original title. Ensure the bill of sale contains full VIN, make, model, year, and both party signatures with dates.
What to include in your bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
- Trailer make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
- Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
- Any bill of sale only-specific disclosures required in New Jersey.
Seller guidance
If you are selling a vehicle that was never titled (common for pre-1975 vehicles in some states), a bill of sale is the primary ownership document. The buyer must present the bill of sale to the DMV to apply for an original title. Ensure the bill of sale contains full VIN, make, model, year, and both party signatures with dates.
Buyer guidance
A bill of sale alone does not guarantee you can register the vehicle. Check with your state DMV to confirm the process for obtaining an original title using a bill of sale. You may need a VIN inspection, a surety bond, or a court order depending on the vehicle's history and your state's rules.
Legal considerations
Vehicles manufactured before 1975 were not required to be federally titled, and some never entered a state title system. States have varying procedures for issuing an original title for un-titled vehicles (e.g., California: Reg 343 form; Texas: Form VTR-141). The NMVTIS may not have records for older un-titled vehicles, so ownership chain documentation is critical.
New Jersey Trailer transfer fees and requirements
In New Jersey, the title transfer fee is $60 and registration costs $35.50 - $84 based on vehicle weight and age. Trailer sales are subject to 6.625% sales tax; private sales may use a reduced rate schedule. New Jersey does not require notarization for private-party trailer transfers. Emission testing is required in New Jersey — verify the trailer passes before completing the sale.
- MVC (Motor Vehicle Commission) handles titles and registration
- Emissions inspection required at MVC stations
- Insurance must be obtained before registration
- Lemon law applies to used vehicles from dealers
New Jersey sales tax on trailer purchases
New Jersey has a 6.625% state sales tax rate. Flat 6.625% statewide; no additional local vehicle taxes. Private-party trailer sales in New Jersey are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $60.
Trailer market data and safety information
The most common trailer makes in private-party sales are Big Tex, PJ Trailers, Carry-On, Sure-Trac, Load Trail. Average private-party trailer prices range from $1,500–$15,000. Trailers average 1.5 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Tires, Electrical (lighting), Axle/Suspension.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used trailer
Before completing a trailer bill of sale in New Jersey, verify these safety items:
- Inspect hitch coupler and safety chains for wear and proper rating
- Check all lighting connections — trailer lights are the #1 reason for roadside stops
- Verify axle alignment and tire wear patterns
- Test electric or surge brakes if equipped
- Confirm breakaway switch and battery function on braked trailers
- Verify VIN/serial plate is intact and matches title
- Check D-ring tie-down ratings and weld integrity
- Inspect ramp gate hinges and locking pins for safe operation
Trailer insurance and depreciation in New Jersey
Trailer insurance is optional in most states unless financed. Physical damage coverage is $100–$300/year. Utility trailers hold value exceptionally well — quality steel trailers retain 70–80% of value over 10 years. Peak season for private trailer sales is spring through early summer when landscaping and construction picks up, with an average of 14 days on market.
Trailer registration and titling
Trailers are classified as "Utility trailer (weight-class dependent)" for registration purposes. Trailers under 3,000 lbs may not require registration in some states. Over 3,000 lbs requires title and registration in most states. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to trailers.
New Jersey requirements for bill of sale only trailer sales
For bill of sale only trailer transactions in New Jersey, the buyer must pay 6.625% sales tax; private sales may use a reduced rate schedule and a $60 title transfer fee. Notarization is not required. Odometer disclosure is required.
- MVC (Motor Vehicle Commission) handles titles and registration
- Emissions inspection required at MVC stations
- Insurance must be obtained before registration
- Lemon law applies to used vehicles from dealers
Safety tips for bill of sale only trailer transactions
When completing a bill of sale only trailer sale in New Jersey, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common trailer recall categories are Tires, Electrical (lighting), Axle/Suspension. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.
Checklist for bill of sale only trailer sale in New Jersey
- Document the full ownership chain (prior bills of sale if available)
- Include complete vehicle description: VIN, year, make, model, color, engine number
- Both parties sign and date the bill of sale in front of a notary if possible
- Research your state's original title application process for un-titled vehicles
- Request a VIN inspection from law enforcement or a licensed inspector
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main New Jersey trailer bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open New Jersey Trailer bill of saleThe Private Vehicle Sale Market
17.5M private sales/yr
About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.
Source: Cox Automotive 2024
Frequently asked questions
Why does the bill of sale only scenario have its own page?
Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a bill of sale only transaction specifically.
What should be included in this bill of sale?
Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the bill of sale only transaction.
What are the New Jersey fees for a bill of sale only trailer transfer?
New Jersey charges a $60 title transfer fee. Registration costs $35.50 - $84 based on vehicle weight and age. Sales tax: 6.625% sales tax; private sales may use a reduced rate schedule. Notarization is not required for most transfers.
What trailer makes are most commonly sold in New Jersey?
The most popular trailer makes in private-party sales are Big Tex, PJ Trailers, Carry-On, Sure-Trac, Load Trail. Average private-party prices range from $1,500–$15,000.
Do I pay sales tax on a bill of sale only trailer sale in New Jersey?
New Jersey has a 6.625% state sales tax rate. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases
New Jersey trailer bill of sale by city
Create New Jersey Trailer Bill of Sale
Free • 3 min • Printable PDF