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

To transfer a car title in New Jersey, you must submit form BA-82 (process for Ownership) to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and proof of inspection. The MVC processes title transfers at its regional offices or through the mail. Most transfers take two to four weeks if you mail them in, or you can complete them in person at an MVC office the same day. You will also need to register the vehicle in your name, which happens at the same time as the title transfer.

New Jersey requires the seller to sign the title document itself — there is no separate bill of sale form required by the state, though a bill of sale is useful to have for your records. The buyer must then bring the signed title, the completed BA-82 form, proof of inspection (the vehicle must pass a New Jersey safety and emissions inspection within 10 days of the sale), and proof of insurance to the MVC office or mail these documents in.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete form BA-82 and submit it to the Motor Vehicle Commission along with the signed title, proof of inspection, and proof of insurance.
  • The vehicle must pass a New Jersey safety and emissions inspection within 10 days of the sale date before you can transfer the title.
  • You can transfer a title by mail or in person at any MVC regional office; in-person transfers are usually completed the same day.
  • The seller must sign the back of the title document itself — New Jersey does not use a separate bill of sale form, though creating one is recommended for your protection.
  • Registration and title transfer happen together; you cannot register a vehicle without transferring the title into your name.

Getting the vehicle inspected before you transfer the title

New Jersey law requires every vehicle to pass a safety and emissions inspection before the title can be transferred. You must have this inspection done within 10 days of the sale. The inspection costs around $75 to $85 and covers brakes, lights, wipers, emissions systems, and other safety components. You can take the vehicle to any authorized inspection station — the MVC website lists stations by county, or you can search online for "New Jersey vehicle inspection stations" near you.

The inspection station will give you a printed inspection report or a barcode that proves the vehicle passed. You will need this proof when you submit your title transfer paperwork. If the vehicle fails inspection, you have time to fix the problems and retest, but the 10-day window starts from the sale date, not from when you first attempt the inspection. Plan ahead so you have time to address any failures.

Completing form BA-82 and gathering required documents

Form BA-82 is the official New Jersey process for ownership. You can read it from the MVC website (nj.gov/mvc) or pick up a copy at any MVC office. The form asks for the vehicle identification number (VIN), the current owner's name and address, the new owner's name and address, the sale price, and the date of sale. Both the seller and buyer must sign the form.

Along with BA-82, you will need to submit: the original title document with the seller's signature on the back; proof of a passing New Jersey inspection (dated within 10 days of the sale); proof of insurance in your name; and a check or money order for the title transfer fee (currently $60 for a standard transfer, though this can change). If the title has a lien on it (meaning a lender still owns part of the vehicle), the lender must sign the title as well, or you must bring a lien release letter from the lender.

Transferring the title in person at an MVC office

If you go to an MVC office in person, bring all original documents — the signed title, completed BA-82, proof of inspection, proof of insurance, and your payment. The MVC office will review everything on the spot, and if everything is correct, they will process the transfer when ready. You will receive a temporary registration document that day, and your permanent title will arrive in the mail within two to four weeks.

MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment for a title transfer, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The busiest times are typically mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. Arriving early or going on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.

Transferring the title by mail

You can mail your title transfer paperwork to the MVC instead of going in person. Send the original signed title, completed BA-82 form, proof of inspection, proof of insurance, and your payment to the address listed on the MVC website for your region. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email address so the MVC can contact you if there are questions.

Mail transfers typically take two to four weeks from the date the MVC receives your paperwork. During this time, you should not drive the vehicle except to get it inspected or to drive it directly to an MVC office if you need to. Once the MVC processes your transfer, they will mail you a temporary registration document and your new title. Keep the temporary registration with you while you wait for the permanent title to arrive.

What happens if the title has a lien or is held by a lender

If you are buying a vehicle that still has a loan against it, the lender's name will appear on the title as the lienholder. The lender must sign the title document to release their interest, or they must provide a written lien release letter. You cannot complete the title transfer without this signature or letter. Ask the seller to contact their lender and request the lien release before you attempt to transfer the title.

Some lenders will mail the lien release directly to you once the loan is paid off. Others require the seller to pick it up in person. Make sure you have the lien release in hand before you go to the MVC office or mail in your paperwork. If the lien release is missing, the MVC will return your process and you will have to resubmit once you have it.

Registering your vehicle at the same time as the title transfer

New Jersey combines title transfer and vehicle registration into one process. When you submit your BA-82 form and title documents, you are also registering the vehicle in your name. The registration fee depends on the vehicle's weight and age; most registrations cost between $150 and $250 per year. You will receive a registration card and license plates (or a sticker for your existing plates) along with your temporary registration.

Your registration is valid for one year from the date it is issued. You will need to renew it annually. The MVC will mail you a renewal notice about 30 days before your registration expires, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car before the title transfer is complete?

No. You cannot legally drive a vehicle you do not own. Once you buy the car, you must transfer the title into your name before driving it anywhere except to get an inspection or to go directly to the MVC office. Driving an unregistered vehicle is a violation and can result in a fine.

What if I lose the title document before I can transfer it?

Contact the MVC and request a duplicate title. You will need to fill out form BA-44 (process for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership) and pay a fee (currently around $25). The MVC will mail you a duplicate title, which usually takes two to three weeks. Once you have it, you can proceed with the transfer.

Do I need to notarize the title or any of the paperwork?

No. New Jersey does not require notarization for title transfers. The seller's signature on the back of the title and both signatures on form BA-82 are sufficient. Make sure both signatures are in blue or black ink and match the names on the title document.

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

Bring documentation showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVC will review this along with the seller's current ID to confirm they are the same person. If you cannot provide this documentation, the MVC may not process the transfer.

How long does it take to get my new title in the mail?

If you transfer the title in person at an MVC office, you will receive a temporary registration that day and your permanent title within two to four weeks. If you mail in your paperwork, the entire process takes two to four weeks from the date the MVC receives your documents. You can drive legally with the temporary registration until the permanent title arrives.