Selling a car privately in New Jersey
New Jersey private sales are title-driven: sign the seller's section on the back of the New Jersey title with the buyer's name and address, sale date, and price, and give the buyer a bill of sale with the sale price. No notary is required. The buyer must transfer the title at a Motor Vehicle Commission agency within 10 working days (a penalty applies) and pays New Jersey sales tax on the price there.
New Jersey has no separate notice-of-sale filing, so your protection is the dated paperwork plus plate control: remove your plates before the buyer drives off and surrender them to the MVC or transfer them to your next vehicle. Do not cancel insurance until the plates are off the road.
The checklist
- 1
Complete the seller's section on the title (New Jersey)
Buyer name and address, date, price, odometer, and your signature on the back of the New Jersey title.
- 2
Give the buyer a bill of sale with the price
The MVC expects the sale price documented; the buyer's sales tax is based on it.
- 3
Remove and surrender your plates
New Jersey plates stay with the seller; surrender them to the MVC or transfer them, then adjust insurance.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your New Jersey sale packet
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Start your free beta packetNew Jersey private sale FAQ
Does a New Jersey car title need to be notarized?
No. Complete the seller's section with buyer name and address, sale date, price, and odometer reading, and sign it. Accuracy matters; the MVC rejects altered titles.
How long does the buyer have to transfer in New Jersey?
10 working days from the sale date, at an MVC agency, where they pay sales tax on the purchase price. A penalty applies after that.
What do I do with my New Jersey plates?
Remove them at handoff and surrender them to the MVC or transfer them to another vehicle you own. Keep insurance until the plates are surrendered or transferred.
How do I protect myself after a New Jersey sale?
There is no seller notice filing, so keep a dated bill of sale signed by both parties, photos of the completed title, and your plate surrender receipt.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.