Do I need to turn in my damaged car title? Yes, you must surrender your damaged certificate of title along with a written statement explaining how your title was damaged. The statement should also include your personal information and vehicle details.
Keep in mind that the MVC imposes fines and penalties to drivers who request a duplicate car title while knowingly having the original title in their possession. To avoid paying a fine or being the victim of identity theft or fraudulent activity involving your NJ car title, turn in your damaged/mutilated pink slip to the New Jersey DMV.
Your NJ certificate of title will remain with your lien holder until you obtain a lien release.
After the lien on your vehicle has been paid and the lien holder sends the required paperwork to the NJ DMV, you will receive a car title with a signature of release. If you do not want your car title to show the lien release you can apply for a clean title by submitting the pink slip with the lien release stamp and pay the $85 title transfer fee either by mail or in person.
How do I file a police report if my car title was stolen? In New Jersey, drivers are not required to file a police report if their vehicle title has been lost or stolen. In this case, drivers must apply for a car title replacement at a local MVC office.
However, it is highly suggested to contact a local police department and report your lost vehicle title or stolen pink slip. This will protect you against possible identity theft or fraudulent activity involving your New Jersey vehicle title.
A different procedure applies to replace a damaged car title. In this case, drivers are required to provide the following documents:
In both cases, you must also provide payment for the $60 car title replacement fee.
You can submit the request in person at your local NJ DMV or send it by mail.
How do I obtain a salvaged car title? Any vehicle that has sustained considerable damage and for which the cost of repair is far greater than the cost of the vehicle, is a savaged vehicle. All vehicles in New Jersey have to be titled, including salvage cars.
To apply for a salvage vehicle title in NJ, submit the following documents to an NJ MVC:
After the completion of this procedure, the vehicle must undergo a vehicle inspection before being operated on NJ state roads.
How do I transfer my car title between states? If you have recently moved to NJ, you must transfer your out-of-state car title and obtain NJ car registration.
If there is no lien on your vehicle of title, you must transfer car title in person at a NJ DMV location and present your current vehicle title, a completed Application for Certificate of Ownership (Form OS/SS-7) and the applicable car title transfer fee. You will also be required to complete a sales tax form, unless you have bought the vehicle outside of New Jersey or you were not an NJ resident when you purchased the car.
Additional documentation is needed if you are transferring car title to NJ from a state that does not require vehicle titles. Follow the steps provided to complete the car title transfer in this particular case:
You can also mail the paperwork and payment to the address printed on the form.
If you do not have a certificate of title because you are transferring car title to NJ from a state that does not require vehicle titles, follow the steps provided to complete the car title transfer:
How do I transfer my car title? Drivers in New Jersey are required to transfer a car title if they have recently bought, sold, inherited, gifted or received a vehicle as a gift or donation.
To transfer a car title if you are selling a car, follow these steps:
If you have recently purchased a vehicle in New Jersey, you must perform a transfer of title with the NJ MVC by:
Note that while you are transferring a car title, you can also register your vehicle. Drivers are required to transfer a car title within 10 business days from the date of sale or purchase, otherwise a penalty fee of $25 will be charged.
If you have inherited a vehicle in NJ, you have 30 days to request a car title transfer with the NJ DMV. To do so, you must:
Note that if you have a leased vehicle, you must submit a Power of Attorney from your leasing company, in addition to the completed Application for Certificate of Ownership (Form OS/SS-7) and payment for the titling and registration fees.
How do I transfer the title of my RV? To transfer ownership of an RV, visit an MVC location near you and submit acceptable proof of identity and a properly assigned Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Certificate of Title, as well as payment for the applicable titling fee.
How long does it take to receive my replacement car title after ordering online? Unfortunately, the NJ MVC does not allow drivers to replace a car title online. You can only request a car title copy in person at a nearby DMV location or by mailing the application form to the New Jersey DMV.
Allow the DMV some time to process your payment and application. However, if you still not have received your NJ vehicle title replacement after considerable time has passed, contact the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission.
What are the required fees to get a replacement car title? The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission charges a $60 car title replacement fee for drivers who have lost or damaged their original NJ certificate of title, as well as for drivers whose vehicle title has been stolen.
Note that even though the duplicate car title fee is regulated by law, the MVC might still impose a fine if a driver attempts to replace car title while still in possession of a legible and valid NJ certificate of title.
Different documents are required to replace a damaged car title. In this case you are required to provide the following:
In both cases, you must also provide payment for the $60 car title replacement fee.
You can submit the documents in person a nearby MVC office or mail them to the following address:
State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Special Title Section/Duplicate Titles P.O. Box 017 Trenton, NJ 08666
Keep in mind that you can register your vehicle at the same time with the car title transfer. You must also provide payment for the applicable registration and titling fees.
What forms must I fill out for a duplicate car title? In the event of your vehicle title being lost or stolen, the NJ MVC requires you to complete a Application for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership (Form OS/SS-52).
If you have damaged your certificate of title, you need to present a written statement that includes your personal and vehicle information as well as the reason for the damage to the New Jersey car title.
You can submit the forms in person at your local DMV or send the application by mail to the NJ MVC.
What if the original is located after my car title replacement has been issued? Once the NJ MVC issues a duplicate car title, your original title is no longer valid. However, in the event of your lost car title or stolen vehicle title being recovered, submit it to the DMV or properly dispose of it in order to protect yourself from possible identity theft or fraudulent activity involving your New Jersey vehicle title.
When should I complete a Bill of Sale? A Bill of Sale is used when the Certificate of Ownership or Certificate of Title is unavailable, for instance if you are transferring car title from a state that does not require vehicle titles. The Bill of Sale can also be used as additional proof of the transaction between the buyer and seller.
Where can I mail my request for a replacement title? Drivers requesting a NJ car title replacement, can submit an application in person at a local MVC location or send the request by mail to the following address:
State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Special Title Section/Duplicate Titles P.O. Box 017 Trenton, NJ 08666
When applying for a duplicate vehicle title, make sure to include payment for the $60 car title copy fee in the form of check or money order made out to the MVC.
Will I need to present proof of insurance to get a car title replacement? Yes, you must present proof of NJ vehicle insurance when replacing car title. Once you purchase auto insurance from a state-approved insurance provider, you will be issued a New Jersey Insurance Identification Card, which you must present when requesting a duplicate vehicle title. If you have lost or you have not received an insurance ID, you need to provide the NJ MVC with the name of your insurance company, as well as your insurance policy number.