Selling your car in New Jersey? Whether you’re in Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, or a quieter part of the Garden State, this step-by-step guide will help you complete the process legally, safely, and with minimal stress.
Sell a Car in New Jersey – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Start by collecting all necessary paperwork:
- New Jersey Certificate of Title: The title must be signed by the seller (you) and include the buyer’s information. If there’s a lien, it must be released first.
- Valid Identification: A New Jersey driver’s license or another state-issued ID is required.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles under 10 years old and typically included on the title.
- Bill of Sale (Recommended): Not required, but useful for your records.
- Lien Release (if applicable): You’ll need written proof that the loan has been paid off before you can sell the car.
New Jersey MVC Forms You May Need
The following forms may be needed depending on your situation:
- Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA): Used to apply for a duplicate title.
- Form OS/SS-7 – Application for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership
- Odometer Disclosure Statement – If not included on the title
- Notice of Sale (Optional): You can submit a notice of sale to the NJ MVC for recordkeeping
All forms are available on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) website.
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Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
Getting your car ready can impact how fast it sells and how much you get. A clean, well-kept vehicle makes a better first impression and draws more interest.
That said, not everyone has the time or resources to clean, fix, or prepare a vehicle. If you’re in a hurry to sell or simply don’t want to deal with the extra effort, you can always sell your car as-is. Contact us and we’ll make you an offer, no prep work required.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Know what your car is worth before committing to a deal:
- Use Our Free Appraisal Tool: Get a firm quote in under 2 minutes, no obligation.
- Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or NADA: Use them to compare resale values.
- Scan Local Listings: Compare similar vehicles for sale in Paterson, Edison, Camden, Clifton, and Elizabeth.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
New Jersey sellers typically have three main options:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fastest, Most Secure): Get a real offer, skip the paperwork hassle, and get paid the same day.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: Convenient if you’re getting another car, but usually results in a lower offer.
- Private Sale: May get you more money, but involves more risk, effort, and paperwork.
We recommend Ken Ganley Buying Center for a fast, secure, and professional sale experience.
Step 5: Get Paid
We offer secure same-day payment so you don’t have to worry about checks, delays, or risky meetups.
Avoid scams and paperwork confusion. We’ll handle everything from the title to payment.
What Affects Car Values in New Jersey? Local Market Insights to Know
New Jersey’s mix of urban, suburban, and coastal areas makes demand variable:
- Hybrids and fuel-efficient cars are popular in cities like Newark and Jersey City.
- SUVs and AWD vehicles are common in suburban and northern areas that experience winter weather.
- Luxury vehicles are more common along the Gold Coast and areas near NYC, which may affect local resale values.
Being aware of what’s in demand can help you make better pricing and timing decisions.
Ready to Sell Your Car in New Jersey?
Ken Ganley Buying Center takes the stress out of the process. No lowballing. No confusion. Just a fast and fair offer.
Start with a free online appraisal or call 330-427-3656.
We work with car owners all over New Jersey.
Need help selling your car in New Jersey? Here are some quick answers
How long does the buyer have to complete the title transfer in New Jersey?
The buyer must transfer the title within 10 working days from the date of sale to avoid a $25 penalty. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country, so it’s crucial that both you and the buyer understand this requirement. New Jersey or dealer reassigned titles must be processed at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agency within this timeframe. The buyer will need to bring the properly signed title, completed Vehicle Registration Application (Form BA-49), proof of New Jersey insurance, and payment for all applicable fees. If they miss this deadline, they’ll be charged an additional $25 late fee on top of the standard title transfer fees.
What happens to my license plates when I sell my car in New Jersey?
You must remove your license plates before completing the sale and either surrender them to an MVC agency or transfer them to another vehicle you own. New Jersey law is clear that license plates cannot be transferred to another owner – only to another vehicle under the same owner’s name. If you’re not transferring the plates to another vehicle, you must surrender them to any MVC office and request a receipt as proof of surrender. The buyer will need to obtain new license plates as part of their registration process. Keeping accurate records of plate surrender helps protect you from any future liability issues with the vehicle.
What is New Jersey's sales tax rate for vehicle purchases?
New Jersey charges 6.625% sales tax on the purchase price of both new and used vehicles. This rate has been in effect since January 1, 2018, and applies to all motor vehicle transactions unless a specific exemption applies. The tax is calculated on the actual purchase price, and if the NJ Division of Taxation suspects the reported price is artificially low, they can assess tax based on the vehicle’s fair market value using sources like Kelley Blue Book. The buyer is responsible for paying this tax when they register the vehicle. Some exemptions exist, such as gifts between family members, vehicles for disabled veterans, or transfers to heirs, but these must be properly documented.
Do I need to notarize the title when selling my car in New Jersey?
No, notarization is not required for standard New Jersey title transfers. Both the seller and buyer simply need to complete and sign their respective sections on the back of the title using black or blue ink. However, there is one exception: if the vehicle comes from a state that doesn’t issue titles, then a notarized statement from both buyer and seller is required. This statement must include the vehicle’s model year, make, VIN, date of sale, purchase price, and signatures from both parties. For standard New Jersey titles, accuracy and legibility are more important than notarization, as any errors or corrections with White-Out can void the document.
Is a bill of sale required when selling my car in New Jersey?
A bill of sale is not legally required for private party vehicle transfers, but it’s strongly recommended. While New Jersey doesn’t mandate a bill of sale by law, having one provides important protection for both parties and helps document the transaction details. The bill of sale should include the buyer’s name and address, seller’s information, date of sale, vehicle details (year, make, model, VIN), odometer reading, and sale price. This document can be crucial if any disputes arise later or if you need to prove you’re no longer the owner of the vehicle. Some sellers choose to have the bill of sale notarized for additional protection, though it’s not required.
Can I designate a Transfer on Death beneficiary for my vehicle in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey allows vehicle owners to designate a beneficiary to receive ownership upon death. This Transfer on Death (TOD) feature means the vehicle won’t be considered part of your estate, and no letters of administration are required for the transfer. You complete a Transfer on Death Beneficiary Form, which you keep with your title. After your death, the beneficiary presents this form along with the title, death certificate, and Universal Title Application to transfer ownership. However, any liens on the title must be paid before a new title can be issued unless the lien is being transferred to the sole owner. This estate planning tool can significantly simplify the transfer process for your heirs.
What fees should I expect for title transfer and registration in New Jersey?
New Jersey title transfer fees are $60 for a clear title, $85 with one lien, or $110 with two liens. These are one-time fees paid when ownership is transferred. Additionally, annual registration fees range from $46.50 to $98 depending on the vehicle’s age and weight class, and these fees include the cost of new license plates. If you’re transferring existing plates from another vehicle you own, there’s only a $5 transfer fee. The buyer will also need to pay the 6.625% sales tax on the purchase price. All fees must be paid at the time of title transfer, and the MVC accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, checks, money orders, or cash.
What forms do I need from the New Jersey MVC for selling my car?
The primary forms include the Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA) for duplicate titles and the Vehicle Registration Application (Form BA-49) for the buyer. If you’ve lost your original title, you’ll need Form OS/SS-7 (Application for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership) along with proper identification and fees. For vehicles under 10 years old, an Odometer Disclosure Statement is required if it’s not already included on the title. While not required, you can submit a Notice of Sale to the NJ MVC for recordkeeping purposes. If someone else will be signing documents on behalf of the buyer, a notarized Power of Attorney (POA) is required, which must include specific vehicle details for Limited POAs. All forms are available on the New Jersey MVC website or at any MVC agency location.