New Jersey Private Car Sale Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for a private vehicle sale in New Jersey. Requirements can vary by vehicle type, lien status, and situation, so always confirm with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) before completing the transaction.
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Quick answer
To sell a car in New Jersey, sign the title over to the buyer (no notarization required) and give them a bill of sale — New Jersey law requires the seller to provide one showing the buyer's name and address, the date of sale, the odometer reading, and the sale price. In New Jersey you remove your license plates and surrender them to the MVC (or transfer them to another vehicle you own) — they don't stay with the car. The buyer then has 10 working days to transfer the title in person at an MVC agency. Verify current requirements with the New Jersey MVC.
Key facts
- State
- New Jersey
- Agency
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
- Process
- Sell a Car
- Notary required
- No
- Bill of sale
- Yes
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Last verified
- 2026-07-06
- Official source
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission ↗
Key facts from official sources
New Jersey requires the seller to provide a bill of sale with the buyer's name and address, date of sale, odometer reading, and sale price.
New Jersey MVC — Transfer Vehicle Ownership ↗In New Jersey the seller removes the license plates and surrenders them to the MVC, unless transferring them to another vehicle they own.
New Jersey MVC — Transfer Vehicle Ownership ↗New Jersey does not require notarization for a standard private-party title assignment (only for a Power of Attorney).
New Jersey MVC — Transfer Vehicle Ownership ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
✓YesOdometer disclosure?
✓YesSeller Checklist
Items the seller typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Special requirements
New Jersey does not require notarization for a standard private-party title assignment; it is only required when a Power of Attorney is used.
A bill of sale is required from the seller and must include the buyer's name and address, the date of sale, the odometer reading, and the sale price.
Required by federal law for vehicles under 10 years old.
Step-by-step process
- 1Verify the title is clear of liens before selling.
- 2Sign the title over to the buyer in the designated section.
- 3Complete the odometer disclosure on the title.
- 4Provide the buyer with the signed title and any other required documents.
- 5Notify the state motor vehicle agency of the sale if required.
- 6Remove your license plates if required by your state.
- 7Cancel your insurance or transfer it to your new vehicle.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Leaving your plates on the car — in New Jersey you must remove your plates and surrender them to the MVC unless you transfer them to another vehicle you own.
- ✗Not providing the legally required bill of sale with the buyer's name/address, date, odometer reading, and sale price.
- ✗Skipping the odometer disclosure for a vehicle under 10 years old.
- ✗Assuming the transfer can be done online — New Jersey requires the buyer to file in person at an MVC agency.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 3 researched claims about New Jersey sell a 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
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car privately?
Requirements vary by state. In New Jersey, check with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) for the current requirement. A bill of sale is always recommended as a record of the transaction.
What happens if the buyer doesn't transfer the title?
You could remain liable for tickets, tolls, and accidents. File a release of liability or notice of sale with your state agency as soon as the sale is complete.
Can I sell a car with a lien?
Yes, but the lien must be satisfied at or before closing. The lienholder must release the lien before a clean title can be issued to the buyer.
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-06 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice