Purchasing a vehicle is an exciting milestone, but with it comes the responsibility of ensuring its legal ownership. A crucial part of this process is obtaining your car title, which serves as proof of ownership. If you’ve recently bought a car or are planning to, understanding when you’ll receive your title is essential, especially in New Jersey. This guide will clarify the New Jersey vehicle titling process, ensuring you know when to expect your title and what steps you need to take.
Titling When Purchasing From a New Jersey Dealer
Generally, if you buy a vehicle from a dealership within New Jersey, the titling process is handled as part of the sale. Dealers in New Jersey are typically required to manage the title transfer for you.
However, in some cases, you might not receive the title immediately from the dealer. It’s important to confirm with the dealership their procedure for titling. If the dealer does not handle the titling, you are legally required to title your vehicle within ten days of the purchase date. Failing to do so can result in penalty fees.
Titling When Purchasing From an Out-of-State Dealer
If you’ve purchased a new vehicle from a dealer located outside of New Jersey, it’s vital to specifically discuss the New Jersey titling process with that dealership. Out-of-state dealers may not be familiar with New Jersey’s specific requirements.
In many instances, you will need to handle the titling yourself at a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Vehicle Center.
How to Obtain Your Title at a New Jersey MVC Vehicle Center
To title your vehicle at an MVC Vehicle Center, you, as the vehicle owner, must appear in person. It is now mandatory to schedule an appointment prior to your visit to an MVC Vehicle Center. You can schedule your appointment online through the official NJ MVC website.
When you go to your appointment, ensure you bring the necessary documents, including:
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Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO): This document must display a stamp indicating that sales tax has been satisfied. You will need to pay sales tax based on the actual price of the vehicle.
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Proof of Sales Tax Payment: If you purchased the vehicle in New Jersey, you are required to pay sales tax. New Jersey dealers are obligated to collect sales tax from New Jersey residents. However, sales tax is not collected at the MVC agency for dealer transactions. If you didn’t pay sales tax at the time of purchase (for example, in some out-of-state purchases or private sales), you will need to pay it when titling the vehicle at the MVC. Some vehicles may be exempt from sales tax under specific conditions, which you can verify on the NJ MVC website.
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Lien Holder Information (if applicable): If your vehicle is financed, you must provide the complete address and the Entity Identification Number (EIN) of the lien holder. The original title will then be sent directly to the lien holder.
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Emissions Compliance (for newer vehicles): For 2009 and newer model year passenger vehicles or light-duty trucks weighing less than 8,500 lbs., the vehicle must meet California Low Emission Vehicle Program standards.
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Luxury and Fuel Inefficient Surcharge (LFIS) (if applicable): New vehicles might be subject to New Jersey’s Luxury and Fuel Inefficient Surcharge (LFIS). If your vehicle qualifies, you’ll need to calculate and pay an additional 0.4% of the gross sales or lease price. More information on LFIS can be found on the NJ MVC website.
The MVC accepts various forms of payment for your convenience, including American Express®, MasterCard®, Visa® card, Discover card®, checks, money orders, and cash.
Titling a Business Vehicle
If you intend to register your vehicle under a business name, you first need to obtain an Entity Identification Number (EIN). You can apply for an EIN on the NJ MVC website. An EIN is mandatory to complete the vehicle title and registration process for businesses.
Before visiting an MVC Hybrid or Vehicle Service Center, complete the application form BA-8.
Obtaining a Title When a New Jersey Dealer Closes
In the unfortunate event that you purchased a vehicle from a New Jersey car dealer that has gone out of business and you haven’t received your title, you need to follow a specific procedure.
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Gather Required Documents: Download the necessary forms and instructions from the NJ MVC website.
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Make Photocopies: Create copies of all documents for your personal records.
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Mail Original Documents: Send all original documents (unless otherwise specified) 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
For formal complaints against the dealer, contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs through their website. Remember to notify the MVC separately for title assistance. Each case is unique and handled individually, and additional documents may be required. For questions, contact the MVC’s Customer Support Line at (609) 292-6500 before submitting documents.
Title Fees
The fees for titling your vehicle in New Jersey are as follows:
- Standard Vehicle: $60
- Financed Vehicle (one lien): $85
- Financed Vehicle (two liens): $110
Payment methods accepted are American Express®, MasterCard®, Visa® card, Discover card®, checks, money orders, and cash.
Titling Used Vehicles
When titling a used vehicle, you must provide the previous title, correctly completed and signed in the assignment section on the back by the previous owner. If you make any errors on the title, it’s best to check with the MVC to confirm if it’s still acceptable.
Transferring Vehicle Ownership
Vehicle ownership transfers must be conducted in person at a motor vehicle agency and cannot be processed by mail. Follow the MVC guidelines to ensure a proper transfer and avoid penalties.
Titles for New Jersey Residents Temporarily Out-of-State
If you are a New Jersey resident but purchased your vehicle while you were temporarily residing out of state, a special procedure is in place. Consult the NJ MVC for specific instructions.
Related Resources
For further information, you can also refer to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.
Understanding the process of obtaining your car title in New Jersey is crucial for legal vehicle ownership. Whether you purchase from a dealer in-state, out-of-state, or privately, knowing the steps and timelines will help ensure a smooth process and avoid any potential penalties. Always refer to the official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website for the most up-to-date information and any changes to these procedures.
