“How to sell a car in New Jersey” is a phrase that doesn't have to overwhelm you.
⚠️ If It's Broken, Don't Fix It - Get Paid Cash for Your Vehicle ⚠️
Selling a car in the Garden State is pretty straightforward.
And the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is here to guide you.
In the paragraphs that follow, we'll share tips as well as what steps you need to take to sell your car quickly and successfully!
How To Sell a Car in New Jersey – The Steps a Seller has to Take
The following are the steps you as a car seller must take to sell your car:
- Take off the vehicle's license plates and bring them to any NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office or a regional service center.
- If you are transferring the plates to another vehicle, you need not surrender the plates.
- Make sure that you sign the back of the title and include the following:
- The name and address of the buyer.
- Mileage odometer reading.
- Date of sale.
- If you find that there is no room on the title or there is a discrepancy in the reading you have to complete and sign a Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA).
- Sale price of the vehicle.
You must transfer the title within 10 business days from the date of the sale.
Once you sell a car in New Jersey, you will only need the original certificate of title, complete with all information on the back of it.
But if the vehicle has a lien on it, or is exempt from sales tax, you will need to fill out paperwork.
What If I Need a Duplicate Car Title?
There are lots of situations that may require you to request a duplicate title. In many instances, you can visit either visit a motor vehicle agency or submit the paperwork through the mail.
But there are some cases that require certain steps. So, continue reading to see what circumstance and solution applies to you. You can call or contact the MVC’s Duplicate Title Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5074 with any questions you have.
Getting a Duplicate Car Title for a Car Owned, Leased or Financed
- Fill out the Universal Title Application (form OS/SS-UTA). You can also obtain this form online and at motor vehicle agencies.
- Provide either an expired or a current registration, certified registration record and proof of insurance.
If you cannot get a current or expired registration or proof of insurance you are able to apply for a certified registration record. To do this, you must fill out a Vehicle Registration Application Request (form DO-11-A.). Once done, you can take it to a full service motor vehicle agency or mail it to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Certified Information Unit
225 East State Street
PO Box 146
Trenton NJ 08666-0146
You must pay the $60 fee. You can use your credit card, a check or a money order for the payment. If you submit your payment through the mail, then then make sure to send a check or money order only, payable to the NJMVC to the following address:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Titles Section/Duplicate Titles
225 East State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, NJ 08666-0017
For a vehicle that is financed or leased, you must have all of the paperwork above. You must also submit a statement, from the current/past lien holder that has the following information:
- The owner’s name
- The year, make and model of the car
- The VIN number of vehicle identification number
- A signed statement from an agent submitting the letter on behalf of the lien holder, stating that the original title isn’t something that they are holding.
Getting a Duplicate title with no proof of ownership – Through Mail Only
- First, make sure that you download the packet Duplicate Title Requirements for No Proof of Ownership (forms OS/SS-130, and OS/SS-UTA).
- Be sure to fill out the forms and make a copy for your records.
- Make sure that you enclose a check or a money order for $60 payable to the NJMVC.
- Then mail the package to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Titles Section/Duplicate Titles
225 East State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, NJ 08666-0017
Click here for additional information about getting a duplicate car title!
How to Sell a Car in New Jersey – I Noticed an Error on My Title!
If you find an error on your title, you can go to your local motor vehicle agency. You can also submit a written request through the mail to request a correction.
For persons who want to visit their local motor vehicle agency:
- You have to provide proof that a correction has to be made.
- The state of New Jersey will not charge you to correct a title if the error was clearly caused by the MVC. But in other cases, or if you made the mistake you must pay a fee of $60.
- The MVC accepts credit cards, cash and money orders.
If you submit a written request through the mail:
- Be sure that you include the original document with a letter that states what needs to be corrected on the title.
- You must include a check or money order for $60 and made payable to the NJMVC. If you can show that you did not make the error, there is no charge.
- Be sure to send the package to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Database Corrections Unit
PO Box 141
225 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666-0141
What if the buyer decided not to buy my vehicle and I need to correct this on the title?
If the buyer decides not to buy a vehicle after the seller already writes the information on the title, the title is then “spoiled” and the seller will need to fix the issue.
- The current owner can visit a motor vehicle agency and request the correction and bring the original title.
- You must pay a $60 fee. The MVC accepts money order, checks, credit cards and cash.
- The current owner may also submit a request through the mail. This request must include:
A letter with the owner’s name, the make, year and full Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle. You must also include an explanation as to why the title is spoiled or why the sale did not go through. Be sure to send the original title and a check or money order for $60 payable to the NJMVC.
You can mail your package to the following address:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Database Corrections Unit
PO Box 141
225 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666-0141
Need additional information? Click here to connect with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission!
Other information you may need
- Odometer reading
You must provide an accurate odometer reading at the time of sale. This will show whether the vehicle has passed its mechanical limitations as well as if it is on its second or third cycle. If the actual odometer reading is inaccurate, the seller has to give an educated guess or an estimate of what the actual reading should be. You can download a copy of the Universal Title Application - Liens
Liens noted on the decedent's title have to be paid in full, before a new title is issued. The only exception is if the title is being transferred to the sole owner. You should call your lending institution for additional information. - Sales Tax
A vehicle is only exempt from New Jersey sales tax if the customer indicates on the purchase price line that the car is a gift. This must be noted on the reverse side of the title. See more information on vehicle sales tax exemptions.
How To Sell a Car in New Jersey – Staying Safe During the Sale!
Selling your car on your own, can be profitable as well as easy. But your safety is important at all times.
So, check out a few important things to keep in mind. These steps will help protect you and help make the process go smoothly.
1. Discuss your car on the phone or in person with a buyer. Emails are great for an initial contact. But you should never sell a car to someone you never see. That person needs to schedule an in-person meeting with you, to see your car.
2. Screen people with care. If someone wants to send you money, or even as you to send money, so that they can send you money, run! You should never have to pay someone during the sale of your car.
3. Be careful during that test drive. It’s never unusual for a buyer to ask for a test drive. But you should always have a third party in that car with you all. So, as a brother, sister or a friend to accompany you in the car during the test drive. You may also ask to hold the driver’s license of the perspective buyer, just as an extra precaution.
4. Make sure that all transactions are safe. Be sure that you handle all monies with the buyer safely. You may even request that you are paid with a certified check or even a money order. We do not recommend taking personal checks for the payment. Also, you should never take a buyer to a bank, credit union or an ATM, so that he or she can get some cash to pay you.
5. Keep a record of all documents. Once you sell your car, keep a copy of all documents. Create a file folder of the documents. This will save you lots of hassle in the long run!