New Jersey Used Car Buyer's Paperwork Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for buying a used vehicle from a private seller in New Jersey. Confirm the latest requirements with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) before completing your transaction.
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Quick answer
Buying a used car in New Jersey? Get the signed title and a bill of sale from the seller — New Jersey law requires the seller to provide one with your name and address, the date, the odometer reading, and the sale price. You have 10 working days to transfer the title in person at an MVC agency, or a $25 penalty applies. You'll pay a $60 title fee ($85 with a lien) and 6.625% sales tax. In New Jersey the seller removes and surrenders their plates, so you'll register the vehicle and get plates in your own name. Verify current requirements with the New Jersey MVC.
Key facts
- State
- New Jersey
- Agency
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
- Process
- Buy a Used Car
- Notary required
- No
- Bill of sale
- Yes
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Filing deadline
- 10 days
- Last verified
- 2026-05-13
- Official source
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission ↗
Key facts from official sources
The seller must provide a bill of sale with the buyer's name/address, date, odometer reading, and sale price.
New Jersey MVC — Transfer Vehicle Ownership ↗The buyer must transfer the title within 10 working days of the sale to avoid a $25 penalty.
New Jersey MVC — Transfer Vehicle Ownership ↗New Jersey's title fee is $60, or $85 for a financed (lien) title.
New Jersey MVC — Transfer Vehicle Ownership ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
✓YesOdometer disclosure?
✓YesInspection required?
✗No⏱ Important Deadlines
- 10-day deadline: To avoid a $25 penalty, the buyer must transfer the title within 10 working days from the date of sale. This must be done in person at a motor vehicle agency.Official source ↗
Buyer Checklist
Items the buyer typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Special requirements
Notarization is not required for standard buyer and seller signatures on the title for a private-party sale. Notarization is only required for a Power of Attorney.
A bill of sale is required from the seller and must include the buyer's name and address, date of sale, odometer reading, and sale price.
Required by federal law for vehicles under 10 years old.
The seller is not required to provide an inspection certificate at the time of sale. New Jersey has a biennial (every 2 years) state inspection cycle, and the buyer inherits the vehicle's current inspection status.
Step-by-step process
- 1Run a vehicle history report (e.g., CARFAX or NMVTIS) before purchase.
- 2Verify the seller's name matches the name on the title.
- 3Ensure the title is free of liens or confirm the lien will be resolved.
- 4Have the seller sign the title over to you and complete odometer disclosure.
- 5Obtain a bill of sale from the seller.
- 6Submit the signed title, application, fees, and proof of insurance to your state DMV.
- 7Pay any applicable sales tax.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Not verifying that the seller is the titled owner.
- ✗Failing to check for outstanding liens before purchase.
- ✗Missing the deadline to register the vehicle after purchase.
- ✗Not getting a bill of sale.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 3 researched claims about New Jersey buy a used car:
Directly cited from official sources
Inferred — confirm with agency before acting
Researched from New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Requirements can change — always verify with the official agency before submitting documents.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to register after buying a used car?
Deadlines vary by state. In New Jersey, confirm the registration deadline with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to avoid late fees.
What if the title has errors?
Do not accept a title with correction fluid or scratched-out information. Ask the seller to obtain a corrected title from the DMV before completing the sale.
Can I drive the car home before registering it?
Many states offer a short window or allow a temporary permit. Check your state agency for guidance.
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Last reviewed: 2026-05-13 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice