What you need to do to transfer a car title in New Jersey
To transfer a car title in New Jersey, you submit Form NJMV-4 (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 the transfer and issues a new title in the new owner's name. The process takes about two to four weeks by mail, though you can also explore in person at an MVC office for faster service.
The person transferring the car (the seller) does not have to be present for the transfer. The new owner handles the paperwork and fees. If you are buying a car, you will need the seller's signature on the title document itself, which is why the bill of sale and title must both be signed before you submit them.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit Form NJMV-4, the signed title, a bill of sale, and proof of inspection to the MVC to transfer ownership.
- The transfer fee is $60 for a standard passenger vehicle, though fees vary by vehicle type and weight.
- New Jersey requires a vehicle inspection within 10 days of purchase, and the inspection report must be included with your transfer process.
- You can mail your process to the MVC or visit an office in person; in-person service is usually faster.
- The new title arrives by mail within two to four weeks, and you cannot legally drive the car until the transfer is complete.
Documents the seller must sign before you submit anything
The seller must sign the back of the title certificate itself. This is the official document from the state showing current ownership. The signature must be in blue or black ink, and the seller's name must match exactly as it appears on the front of the title.
The seller also signs a bill of sale, which is a separate document that records the sale price, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the date of sale, and the names and addresses of both buyer and seller. New Jersey does not have an official bill of sale form, so you can use a private bill of sale template or write one yourself. Both the title and the bill of sale must be signed before you take them to the MVC.
If the title has two owners listed, both must sign. If the title is held by a lender (the car is financed), the lender's signature or a lien release document is required instead of the owner's signature on the back.
Getting the vehicle inspection and what it covers
New Jersey law requires a vehicle inspection within 10 days of purchase. You take the car to any authorized inspection station (gas stations, repair shops, and dealerships often offer this service). The inspection checks that the vehicle's identification number matches the title, that the lights and wipers work, that the brakes are safe, and that emissions systems are functioning. The inspection takes about 15 minutes.
The inspection station gives you a report with a barcode or inspection number. You must include this report with your transfer process. If you do not have a valid inspection, the MVC will not process your transfer, so schedule this before you submit your paperwork.
Completing Form NJMV-4 and gathering the rest of your documents
Form NJMV-4 asks for your name, address, driver's license number, the VIN, the vehicle's make and model, the purchase price, and the seller's name and address. 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, and sign it in person (not by email or digital signature).
Along with the completed form, gather: the signed title, the signed bill of sale, the inspection report, and proof of your identity (driver's license or passport). If you are financing the car, bring the lender's name and address. If the seller is a business or dealer, you may need additional paperwork — ask the MVC when you call or visit.
Some buyers also bring proof of insurance, though New Jersey does not require it at the time of transfer. However, you cannot legally drive the car without insurance, so obtain a policy before you take the vehicle on the road.
Where to submit your process and how long it takes
You can mail your process to the MVC's central office or visit any regional MVC office in person. The mailing address is on Form NJMV-4. By mail, processing takes two to four weeks. In person, you can often complete the transfer the same day, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
The transfer fee is $60 for most passenger vehicles. Some vehicles (commercial, antique, or very heavy vehicles) have different fees. You pay the fee when you submit your process, either by check or money order if mailing, or by cash, check, or card if visiting in person.
After the MVC processes your process, they mail the new title to the address you provided on the form. Until you receive the new title, you are not the legal owner, and you should not drive the car except to the inspection station or directly to an MVC office.
What happens if the seller's name does not match the title exactly
If the seller's legal name has changed since the title was issued (due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change), the seller must sign the title as it appears on the document, then also sign a separate statement explaining the name change. Bring a copy of the legal document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to the MVC along with your process.
If the title has a misspelling or error in the seller's name, the seller can request a corrected title from the MVC before selling the car. This takes an extra week or two, so it is best to catch this early. If you have already purchased the car and discovered the error, contact the MVC to ask whether you can proceed with the transfer or whether the seller must correct the title first.
Transferring a title if the seller is out of state or unavailable
The seller does not have to be physically present to sign the title. They can sign it before you meet, or they can sign it and mail it to you. The signature must be original ink on the actual title document — a photocopy or digital image is not accepted by the MVC.
If the seller is out of state and cannot easily sign the title in person, ask them to sign both the title and bill of sale, then mail them to you. Once you receive the signed documents, you can submit your process to the MVC. Make sure the signatures are in blue or black ink and are legible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the car before the new title arrives?
No. You are not the legal owner until the MVC issues the new title in your name. Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal. You can drive the car only to the inspection station or directly to an MVC office to submit your transfer process.
What if I lose the signed title before I can submit it to the MVC?
Contact the seller when ready and ask them to request a duplicate title from the MVC. The seller can do this by submitting Form NJMV-4 and paying a $60 fee. Once the seller receives the duplicate, they can sign it and send it to you. This adds one to two weeks to the process.
Do I need to notify my insurance company before or after the transfer?
Notify your insurance company as soon as you purchase the car, before you drive it. You need active insurance to legally drive. After you receive the new title from the MVC, update your insurance company with the new title number so your policy matches the official ownership record.
What if the car has a lien on it?
If the car is financed, the lender's name appears on the title. The lender must sign a lien release form or provide written consent to the transfer. Ask the seller to contact their lender and request the lien release. You cannot complete the transfer without it, and the lender will not release the lien until the loan is paid in full.
Is there a faster way to transfer the title?
Yes. Visiting an MVC office in person is faster than mailing. You can often complete the transfer and receive a temporary registration the same day. Bring all required documents and be prepared to wait, as MVC offices can be busy. Call ahead to ask about wait times at your nearest office.