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

To transfer a vehicle title in New Jersey, you submit Form BA-49 (process for Certificate of Ownership) to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The MVC processes the transfer and issues a new title in the buyer's name. The process takes about two weeks by mail or you can complete it in person at an MVC office the same day.

New Jersey requires the seller to sign the title on the back, and the buyer must have the title transferred before driving the vehicle legally. If you are buying a car, the seller should give you the signed title, bill of sale, and odometer reading at the time of purchase. If you are selling, you keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records.

Key Takeaways

  • Form BA-49 is the official process you submit to the MVC to transfer ownership, along with the signed title and a bill of sale.
  • The seller must sign the back of the title before handing it to you; without this signature, the MVC will not process the transfer.
  • You can mail your documents to the MVC or visit an office in person; in-person processing is faster and takes one day.
  • The transfer fee in New Jersey is $60 for a standard passenger vehicle, though fees vary slightly by vehicle type.
  • Once the MVC receives your documents, a new title arrives by mail within two weeks; keep the receipt as proof of transfer until the new title arrives.

Documents the seller must provide

The seller is responsible for signing the title and giving you a bill of sale. The title must be signed on the back in the designated signature line; a signature anywhere else on the document will not be accepted. The seller should also provide the vehicle's odometer reading, which goes on the bill of sale or a separate odometer disclosure form.

If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from the MVC before the sale, though this adds time. The bill of sale does not have to be a specific form—a handwritten document with the seller's name, buyer's name, vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, and date is acceptable. Both the seller and buyer should sign and keep a copy.

How to complete Form BA-49

Form BA-49 asks for the vehicle's VIN, the current owner's name and address, the new owner's name and address, the sale price, and the date of sale. You can read the form from the MVC website or pick one up at an MVC office. Fill it out in black or blue ink, print clearly, and have both the seller and buyer sign it.

Section 1 is for the seller's information; Section 2 is for the buyer's information. If there are multiple buyers or sellers, list all names. Do not leave fields blank—write "N/A" if a field does not explore. The form is short and straightforward; most people complete it in five minutes.

Where to submit your transfer documents

You can submit your documents by mail to the MVC's central office or visit a local MVC office in person. The mailing address is on the MVC website and on Form BA-49 itself. Include the signed title, completed Form BA-49, bill of sale, a copy of your driver's license or ID, and a check or money order for the $60 transfer fee made out to "State of New Jersey."

In-person service is faster: you can walk in with all documents and receive a receipt the same day. The receipt serves as proof of transfer until your new title arrives. If you mail your documents, include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the MVC to return a copy of your receipt. Processing by mail takes about two weeks; processing in person takes one day.

Timeline and what happens after you submit

Once the MVC receives your documents—whether by mail or in person—they verify the information, check for liens or outstanding violations, and issue a new title. If you submitted in person, you receive a receipt when ready. If you mailed your documents, the MVC sends a receipt by mail within a few days.

The new title arrives by mail within two weeks of approval. Until it arrives, keep your receipt in a safe place; it proves you own the vehicle and have transferred the title. If you do not receive your new title within three weeks, contact the MVC to check the status. Do not drive the vehicle without proof of ownership—either the receipt or the new title.

Special situations: liens, out-of-state titles, and salvage vehicles

If the vehicle has a lien (the seller still owes money to a bank or lender), the lienholder must sign the title as well. The seller should contact their lender to arrange this before the sale. Some lenders release the lien electronically, in which case the seller receives a lien release letter to include with the transfer documents.

If you are transferring a title from another state, you must first obtain a New Jersey title. This requires submitting your out-of-state title, Form BA-49, proof of inspection (a safety inspection from an authorized NJ inspection station), and the transfer fee. Salvage or rebuilt titles follow the same process but may require additional documentation depending on the vehicle's history.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is submitting a title that is not signed by the seller. The MVC will reject unsigned titles and return them to you, delaying the transfer by weeks. Check the signature line on the back of the title before you leave the seller's location.

Another frequent mistake is writing the wrong sale price on Form BA-49 or the bill of sale. The MVC uses this figure to calculate sales tax owed to New Jersey, so underreporting the price can trigger an audit. Write the actual amount paid, even if you negotiated a lower price than the asking price.

Do not forget to include payment with your documents. The MVC will not process a transfer without the $60 fee. If you are mailing your documents, use a check or money order, not cash. Keep a copy of everything you submit, whether by mail or in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the seller is not present?

No. The seller must sign the title in person or provide a notarized power of attorney authorizing someone else to sign on their behalf. The MVC will not accept a title signed by anyone other than the registered owner without this legal document. If the seller lives out of state, they can have the title notarized and mailed to you, or you can arrange to meet them in person.

What if the title has two owners listed?

Both owners must sign the title unless the title specifies "or" between their names (meaning either one can transfer it). If it says "and," both must sign. Check the title carefully before the sale. If one owner cannot be present, they can provide a notarized signature or power of attorney.

Do I need a bill of sale if I have the signed title?

The MVC requires both the signed title and a bill of sale. The bill of sale documents the sale price and date, which the MVC uses for tax purposes and to verify the transaction is legitimate. A handwritten bill of sale is acceptable; it does not need to be notarized.

What happens if I lose the receipt before the new title arrives?

Contact the MVC and request a duplicate receipt or confirmation of your transfer. Provide your name, the vehicle's VIN, and the date you submitted your documents. The MVC can issue a letter confirming the transfer is in process, which serves as temporary proof of ownership.

Can I drive the car while waiting for the new title?

You can drive the vehicle if you have the receipt from the MVC proving the transfer was submitted. Keep the receipt with you along with your driver's license and insurance card. Once the new title arrives, carry that instead. Driving without proof of ownership or a valid transfer receipt can result in a citation.