When selling or buying a vehicle in New Jersey, you will need to have a Bill of Sale for Vehicle. It acts as legal documentation that proves a sale has taken place. It will also be needed by the buyer when registering the vehicle at New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission. It records relevant details about the vehicle and the sale and must be notarized.
There are some instances where you may need to show a bill of sale for NJ, however, it is still advised to have one and keep it safe because of the information in it. If any issues come up regarding the vehicle, it acts as proof showing who owned the vehicle and when ownership was transferred. For example, if the seller should get a ticket, or the vehicle was involved in a road accident after the vehicle was sold, they have proof that they were not in ownership at that time.
You will also need Form OS/SS UTA (Odometer Disclosure Form) if the vehicle being purchased is under ten years old or under the weight of 16,000 pounds. If you are having someone else register the vehicle for you, they will be required to complete Form LOA-1 (Letter of Authorization/Power of Attorney).
Free Forms
How to Create a Bill of Sale for New Jersey
The state of New Jersey doesn’t offer its own bill of sale document, so you will need to create one or download a template. If you are creating it, it must have the following details on it:
- The date that the sale took place
- The full and legal names of both the buyer and the seller
- The full and legal addresses of both parties, including phone numbers
- The amount that the vehicle was sold for, including any payment schedule if applicable
- The vehicles description, which must include the VIN, year, make, body type, model, and condition of the vehicle
- The location where the sale took place
- An accurate odometer reading
- Any vehicle disclosures or “as-is” provisions
Language Requirements – The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will accept a bill of sale for NJ in either Spanish or English.
Both the buyer and the seller should have a copy of it, with the buyer having the original.
Registering a Vehicle in New Jersey
To legally operate a vehicle on public roads in New Jersey, you are required to have the vehicle registered and titled. Upon sale and transfer of ownership of the vehicle, the seller must remove the plates on the vehicle and return them to the NJ MVC. The seller will also need to sign the back of the title before giving it to the buyer.
Where to register your vehicle in New Jersey?
As a new vehicle owner, you have 60 days from the time of sale to register your vehicle with the NJMVC. When registering a vehicle for the first time, you will be required to do so in person at your local Motor Vehicle Commission center to apply for new registration. This must be done by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Vehicle registration for New Jersey must be renewed annually and can be done in-person, by mail, or online. Those who qualify for renewal online must do so using the NJMVC online process. Be sure to review the list of eligible codes for online renewal. Renewal is a same-day process, which means that, once the renewal process has been completed, your registration renewal is immediately effective.
If you are not eligible for online renewal, you will need to register your vehicle in person at your nearest NJMVC office, you will need to make an appointment.
Renewing by Mail
When your vehicle renewal expiration is nearing, you will be sent a renewal letter by the NJMVC. You will need to complete both the front and back of this document and use the provided envelope to mail the renewal document and payment (check or money order made payable to NJMVC) to the address listed on the return envelope.
Required Documents for Registering a Vehicle
When registering your vehicle for the first time, you are required to have the following documents:
- A completed Bill of Sale for New Jersey
- A valid and current Driver’s License
- Form OS/SS UTA (Odometer Discloser if applicable)
- The vehicle Certificate of Title. If this has been lost, you will need to apply for a replacement at the NJMVC using Form OS/SS-UTA (Universal Title Application)
- A completed Form BA-49 (Application for Vehicle Registration)
- If you are having someone register the vehicle for you, they will need to complete Form LOA-1 (Letter of Authorization/Power of Attorney)
- Funds to cover your Registration Fees
- Proof of vehicle insurance with the Minimum Requirements.
- If you are transferring ownership of a vehicle from another state, you will need Form ISM SS-7 (Certificate of Ownership)
Emissions Testing in New Jersey
In the state of New Jersey, some vehicles are required to have an emissions test every two years. This includes:
- Vehicles with the model year of 1996 or newer with a weight of 8,500 pounds of lower
- Vehicles that have a model year that is 5 years or more
- Diesel Vehicles that are considered to be light-duty (8,500 pounds or under) and have the model year of 1997 and newer.
Emissions testing can be done at one of New Jersey’s Emissions Centers, in your county.
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