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.
Sell Your Car in New Jersey — Fast & Easy
Get a real offer in minutes
instead of waiting days for responses
Get your car’s true value
trustworthy, no guessing, no back-and-forth
We’ll handle the handoff
no need to arrange inconvenient meetups
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
Do I need to notarize the title in New Jersey?
No. Notarization is not required, but the title must be completed accurately and signed by both parties.
Do I keep my license plates after selling the car?
No. In New Jersey, you must remove your license plates and return them to the MVC or transfer them to a new vehicle.
Can I sell my car without a title?
No. If you’ve lost the title, you must apply for a duplicate using Form OS/SS-7.
Is a bill of sale required in New Jersey?
Not legally required, but strongly recommended.
Who pays the sales tax in New Jersey?
The buyer is responsible for paying the sales tax when registering the vehicle with the MVC.