Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Typically, if you purchase a vehicle from a New Jersey dealer, it will be titled as part of the sales process. If you did not receive a title from a dealer, you must title your vehicle within ten days of purchase or face a penalty fee. When purchasing a new vehicle from an out of state dealer, verify the New Jersey titling process with the dealership.

• Titles may be acquired at a MVC Vehicle Center. The vehicle owner must appear in person. Schedule an appointment prior to your visit.
• You must show the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) displaying the sales tax-satisfied stamp. You need to pay sales tax on the actual vehicle price.
• If you purchase a vehicle in New Jersey, you must pay sales tax and complete the sales tax section stamped on the title.
  • New Jersey dealers are required to collect sales tax for New Jersey residents. Sales tax is not collected at the agency for New Jersey dealers.
  • However, if you did not pay sales tax at the time of purchase, you will need to pay the sales tax based on the actual amount paid for the vehicle. Sales tax may be paid at a motor vehicle agency.
  • Certain vehicles are exempt from sales tax.

  How to title a business vehicle - apply for an EIN

  • You must first apply for an EIN - Entity Identification Number, if you wish to register a vehicle under a business name. An EIN number is required to complete the title/registration.
  • Complete the application for BA-8 before going to a Hybrid or Vehicle Service Center.

  How to get a title when New Jersey Dealer goes out of business

  Follow these instructions if you purchased a vehicle from a New Jersey car dealer that went out of business:

  • Gather all required documents; download forms and instructions;
  • Make photocopies for your records; and
  • Mail all original documents (unless noted) to:
    New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
    P.O. Box 017
    225 E. State Street
    Trenton, NJ 08666-0017
    ATTN: Special Titles/Dealer Out of Business
  • To lodge a formal complaint, contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. The MVC must be notified separately for assistance obtaining a title.

  Note: Each case is unique and handled on an individual basis. Additional documents may be requested. If you have any questions, please call the MVC’s Customer Support Line at (609) 292-6500 prior to submitting your documents.

  Title fees

  • $60 for a standard vehicle
  • $85 for a financed vehicle with one lien
  • $110 for a financed vehicle with two liens
  • For your convenience, the MVC accepts American Express® card, MasterCard®, Visa® card, Discover card®, checks, money orders and cash.

  Used vehicles (Pre-owned)

  You must also provide the former title with the assignment section on the back completed and signed by the previous owner. If you make a mistake on the title, check with the MVC to see if it is still acceptable.

  Transferring vehicle ownership

  If you need to transfer vehicle ownership you may do so only at a motor vehicle agency - this type of transaction cannot be handled through the mail. To ensure the proper transfer of documents and to avoid penalties, please follow these guidelines.

  Titles for New Jersey residents temporarily out-of-state

  If you are a New Jersey resident and purchased your vehicle out of state, you will need to follow a special procedure.