What you need to do to transfer a car title in New Jersey

To transfer a car title in New Jersey, you complete Form BA-49 (process for Certificate of Ownership) and submit it to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) along with the signed title, proof of ownership transfer, and a check or money order. The process takes about two to four weeks by mail, or you can complete it in person at an MVC office for faster processing. The cost is $60 for a standard title transfer, plus any applicable sales tax or registration fees depending on your situation.

The exact steps and documents you need depend on whether you are buying a car from a private seller, inheriting one, receiving one as a gift, or transferring ownership between spouses. Each path requires different supporting documents, though the core form and fee remain the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Form BA-49 is the official New Jersey process for title transfer and must be signed by both the current owner and the new owner.
  • The current owner's signature on the back of the title must be notarized or witnessed by an MVC employee, depending on the title type.
  • You must submit the completed form, the signed title, proof of the sale or transfer, and payment to the MVC by mail or in person.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks by mail; in-person submission at an MVC office is faster and allows you to walk out with a temporary registration.
  • Sales tax is due on most private purchases in New Jersey and is calculated based on the purchase price, not the vehicle's book value.

Gather the title and proof of ownership transfer

Start by obtaining the current title from the seller or the person transferring the vehicle to you. In New Jersey, the title is called a Certificate of Ownership. If the seller no longer has the physical title, they can request a duplicate from the MVC before the transfer.

You also need a document that proves the ownership transfer took place. For a private sale, this is typically a bill of sale signed by both parties. For a gift, you need a gift letter or affidavit stating that the vehicle was given to you with no money exchanged. For an inheritance, you need a copy of the will or a letter from the estate executor. For a transfer between spouses, you need the marriage certificate or divorce decree, depending on the situation.

The bill of sale does not have to be a specific form — it can be handwritten — but it must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price (or "gift" if no money changed hands), the date of the sale, and signatures from both the seller and buyer.

Complete Form BA-49 and get signatures notarized

read Form BA-49 from the New Jersey MVC website or pick one up at any MVC office. Fill in your name, address, and driver's license number as the new owner. The current owner must also complete their section of the form with their name, address, and signature.

The current owner's signature on the back of the title itself must be notarized or witnessed by an MVC employee. If the title is a New Jersey title, the signature can be witnessed by an MVC employee at no cost — you can do this in person at any MVC office. If the title is from another state or is an out-of-state title, the signature must be notarized by a notary public. Many banks, libraries, and UPS stores offer notary services for a small fee, typically $5 to $15.

Do not sign the title until you are at the notary or MVC office, because the signature must be witnessed or notarized on the same day you sign it.

Calculate and prepare payment for sales tax and fees

The title transfer fee is $60. On top of that, you owe sales tax on most vehicle purchases in New Jersey. The sales tax rate is 6.625 percent statewide, and it is calculated on the purchase price you list on the bill of sale.

If you received the vehicle as a gift, inherited it, or are transferring it between spouses, you may not owe sales tax. Gifts and inheritances are typically tax-exempt, and transfers between spouses are usually exempt as well, though you should confirm this with the MVC before submitting your paperwork.

If you are registering the vehicle for the first time in New Jersey, you also owe registration fees, which vary based on the vehicle's weight and type. You can calculate this on the MVC website by entering your vehicle information. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to "New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission." The MVC does not accept cash or credit cards by mail.

Submit your documents by mail or in person

Gather all documents: the completed Form BA-49, the signed and notarized title, the bill of sale or proof of transfer, and your check or money order. Mail them to the address listed on Form BA-49, or take them in person to any MVC office.

If you submit by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the MVC to return your documents. Processing takes two to four weeks. If you submit in person, you can often walk out the same day with a temporary registration that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent title to arrive by mail.

Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records. The MVC will send you a confirmation letter and eventually the new title in your name.

What happens if the title has a lien or loan against it

If the vehicle has an outstanding loan, the lender's name appears on the title as the lienholder. The current owner cannot transfer the title to you until the loan is paid off and the lien is released.

When the loan is paid in full, the lender sends a lien release document to the owner. The owner must include this lien release with the title when submitting the transfer paperwork to the MVC. Without it, the MVC will not process the transfer. If the seller claims the loan is paid off but the lien still appears on the title, contact the lender directly to confirm the payoff status and request the release in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the seller is out of state?

Yes. The seller does not have to be present in New Jersey. They can sign the title and Form BA-49 and have their signature notarized by a notary public in their state. Mail the notarized documents to you, and then you submit everything to the New Jersey MVC along with your own information and payment.

What if I lose the bill of sale after I buy the car?

You cannot submit the transfer without proof of the sale or transfer. If you no longer have the bill of sale, you can ask the seller to sign a new one and have it notarized. If the seller will not cooperate, contact the MVC to ask about other documents that may be accepted as proof of ownership transfer.

Do I need to have the car inspected before I transfer the title?

No. A vehicle inspection is separate from a title transfer. You can transfer the title first, then schedule an inspection at an authorized inspection station. New Jersey requires all vehicles to pass an inspection before they can be registered and driven on public roads.

How long does it take to get the new title after I submit my paperwork?

By mail, the MVC typically processes title transfers in two to four weeks. In-person submissions are faster — you receive a temporary registration when ready and the permanent title arrives by mail within a few weeks. If you have not received your title after six weeks, contact the MVC to check the status of your process.

What if the seller's name on the title does not match their current ID?

The seller must provide a legal document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. They should also bring their current ID and the old ID (if available) when they have their signature notarized. The MVC may ask for these documents as part of the transfer process.