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

To transfer a car title in New Jersey, you submit Form BA-49 (process for Certification of Ownership) to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), along with the signed title, proof of ownership, and a completed odometer statement. The MVC processes the transfer and issues a new title in the new owner's name. The process takes about two weeks if you submit everything correctly by mail, or you can complete it in person at an MVC office the same day.

You will need the current title signed by the seller, your proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), a valid ID, and the odometer reading from the car. If the title has a lien on it — meaning a bank or lender still owns part of the car — the lender must sign off or the title must show they have released their claim. New Jersey does not require a bill of sale, but having one protects both buyer and seller.

Key Takeaways

  • Form BA-49 is the official New Jersey form for transferring ownership, and you must submit it with the signed title and proof of residency.
  • If the car has a lien, the lender's signature or written release is required before the MVC will issue a new title.
  • You can transfer a title by mail in about two weeks or in person at an MVC office on the same day.
  • The MVC charges a title transfer fee that varies based on the vehicle type and whether you are transferring from an out-of-state title.

Gathering the documents you need

Start by collecting the current title. It must be signed by the seller in the signature box — not initialed, not dated separately, but actually signed. If the title is from another state, you will need that original title, not a copy. The MVC will not accept a photocopy of an out-of-state title as your proof of ownership.

Next, get proof that you live in New Jersey. The MVC accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. Your name must appear on the document. A driver's license alone is not enough; the address on your license must match the address on your proof of residency.

You will also need a valid photo ID — your New Jersey driver's license, passport, or military ID. If you are transferring the title in person, bring the odometer reading from the car itself. If you are mailing the transfer, you will fill in the odometer statement on Form BA-49.

Handling a title with a lien

A lien means a bank, credit union, or other lender has a legal claim on the car because you financed the purchase. The lender's name appears on the title, usually in a box labeled "Lienholder" or "Security Interest." You cannot transfer the title to a new owner until the lien is removed.

If you are buying a car with a lien still on it, the seller must pay off the loan before closing. The lender will then send a release document to the seller or directly to the MVC. Ask the seller for proof of the payoff and the lender's release before you hand over money. If the seller is using your purchase money to pay off the loan, ask the lender to send the release directly to the MVC or to you, so you know it has been filed.

If you are selling a car with a lien, contact your lender and ask for a payoff amount. You will pay this amount at closing, and the lender will release the title. Some lenders allow the buyer to pay the lender directly; others require the seller to pay. Confirm this with your lender before you agree to sell.

Transferring the title by mail

Complete Form BA-49 in full. Print it from the MVC website or pick up a copy at an MVC office. Fill in your name, address, and the vehicle information. Sign and date the form. Attach the signed title, your proof of residency, and a copy of your ID.

Mail everything to the Motor Vehicle Commission, Title Bureau, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625. Include a check or money order for the transfer fee. The fee depends on whether the title is from New Jersey or another state, and whether the vehicle is a standard passenger car, truck, or motorcycle. Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to confirm the exact fee before you mail your packet.

The MVC will mail your new title to the address you provided on Form BA-49. This usually takes two to three weeks. If you do not receive it after four weeks, call the MVC to check the status. Keep a copy of your completed form and a record of what you mailed in case you need to follow up.

Transferring the title in person at an MVC office

Visit any MVC office with all your documents and Form BA-49 completed. Bring the signed title, your proof of residency, your ID, and the odometer reading. You can also bring the car itself so an MVC employee can verify the odometer reading, though this is not required if you have the reading written down.

The MVC office will review your documents, collect the transfer fee, and issue your new title on the spot. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary registration document that day, and your permanent title will arrive by mail within two weeks.

MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. Check the MVC website to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours before you go. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system to manage wait times.

What happens if the title is lost or damaged

If the seller cannot find the original title, they can request a duplicate from the MVC using Form BA-47 (process for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership). This takes about two weeks and costs a small fee. The seller must submit this form before you can transfer the title to yourself.

If the title is damaged but readable, you can still use it to transfer ownership. If it is so damaged that the MVC cannot read the vehicle information or the seller's signature, the seller will need to request a duplicate first. Do not attempt to write over damaged sections or tape the title together; the MVC will reject it.

Transferring a title from out of state

If you are moving to New Jersey and bringing a car with an out-of-state title, you must transfer it to a New Jersey title within 60 days of establishing residency. Use Form BA-49 and submit the original out-of-state title, your proof of New Jersey residency, your ID, and the odometer statement. The fee for an out-of-state transfer is higher than a New Jersey-to-New Jersey transfer.

Some states issue electronic titles that are held by the state, not mailed to the owner. If your previous state uses electronic titles, contact that state's motor vehicle agency and ask them to send the title to the New Jersey MVC. This can take several weeks, so start the process as soon as you move. In the meantime, you can drive the car with your out-of-state registration and proof of residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the seller is deceased?

No, not directly. The executor or administrator of the estate must first transfer the title into their name using a court order or affidavit of heirship. Once they own the title, they can transfer it to you using the standard process. Contact the MVC or a probate attorney for the specific documents needed in your situation.

What if there are two names on the title and only one person is signing?

Both owners must sign the title for the transfer to be valid. If one owner is unavailable, they must sign a separate power of attorney document authorizing the other owner to transfer the title on their behalf. The MVC will need the original power of attorney document.

Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in New Jersey?

New Jersey does not require a bill of sale, but it is a good idea to have one anyway. A bill of sale is a written record of the sale price, date, and both parties' names and signatures. It protects both buyer and seller if questions arise later about the transaction.

How much does a title transfer cost in New Jersey?

The fee varies depending on the vehicle type and whether you are transferring from a New Jersey title or an out-of-state title. Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to confirm the exact fee before you submit your transfer. Fees are typically between $50 and $100.

What if I bought the car but the seller has not signed the title yet?

Do not give the seller money until they have signed the title in front of you. Once the title is signed, you can submit it to the MVC. If the seller signs the title but then changes their mind, they cannot undo the signature — the title belongs to whoever it is signed over to.