New Jersey Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
In New Jersey, a vehicle bill of sale is an essential document for any private party vehicle transaction. The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) — not called the DMV in New Jersey — requires a bill of sale along with a properly assigned and notarized title to process any vehicle ownership transfer. The bill of sale serves as the official record of the purchase price, which the MVC uses to calculate the 6.625% sales tax.
New Jersey has some of the stricter vehicle transfer requirements in the country. The state mandates emissions testing statewide, requires notarization of the title assignment, and enforces a comprehensive vehicle inspection program. The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission oversees all vehicle titling and registration from its network of MVC agencies across the state. Unlike many states, New Jersey does not have county-level variation in tax rates — the 6.625% sales tax is uniform statewide.
New Jersey also charges a tire recycling fee of $1.50 per tire on new tire purchases and requires vehicles to pass a state inspection before they can be registered. The inspection covers both emissions and basic safety checks, and it must be completed at a state-run inspection station. Planning ahead for these requirements will make your vehicle transfer go smoothly.
6.625%
Sales tax (flat)
10 Days
Insurance deadline
Yes
Notarization (title)
Yes
Emissions statewide
NJ MVC Requirements
New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission has specific documentation requirements for private party vehicle transfers. Here's what you need to prepare for a successful transaction:
Important: Inspection Before Registration
New Jersey requires vehicles to pass a state inspection before they can be registered. If the vehicle does not have a current NJ inspection sticker, the buyer must schedule an inspection at a state-run station. This must be completed before you can legally drive the vehicle on New Jersey roads.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed & Notarized Title: The seller must sign the title and have the signature notarized. The buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading must be filled in on the title
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale with all required fields (buyer/seller info, vehicle details, VIN, price, date, signatures)
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — must state the mileage and accuracy on the title or a separate disclosure form
- Lien Release: If the vehicle had a loan, a lien release letter from the lender must be provided
What the Buyer Must Bring to the MVC
- Notarized Title: With seller's notarized signature and all fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- 6 Points of ID: New Jersey's unique identification system requires documents totaling 6 points (e.g., driver's license + passport + utility bill)
- Proof of Insurance: Valid NJ insurance card showing coverage on the vehicle
- Payment: Title fee ($60), registration fee ($35.50-$84 based on weight), and 6.625% sales tax
How to Fill Out a New Jersey Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your New Jersey vehicle bill of sale. Our template walks you through each field to ensure full compliance with NJ MVC requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name exactly as it appears on the vehicle title, current New Jersey mailing address, and phone number. If the title lists multiple owners, check whether the title reads "and" (both must sign) or "or" (either can sign). The seller's name on the bill of sale must match the title precisely.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new title, current New Jersey address, and phone number. The buyer's municipality matters for registration purposes, so make sure the address is complete and accurate.
Describe the Vehicle
Enter the year, make, model, body type, and exterior color. Record the full 17-character VIN from the dashboard or door jamb. Verify the VIN matches the title exactly — the MVC will reject any application with a VIN discrepancy. Include the current license plate number if applicable.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage at the time of sale and check whether the reading is accurate, has exceeded mechanical limits, or is not the actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 years old or older and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs may be exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. The MVC uses this figure to calculate the 6.625% sales tax. If the vehicle is a gift, write "$0 — Gift" and note the relationship between buyer and seller. New Jersey may assess tax on fair market value if the stated price appears significantly below market value.
Sign and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies — one for each party. Remember that the title assignment must also be notarized separately. Take the bill of sale, notarized title, and all other documents to any NJ MVC agency to complete the transfer.
New Jersey Title Transfer Process
After completing the bill of sale and having the title notarized, the buyer must visit an NJ MVC agency to finalize the transfer. New Jersey processes all title and registration transactions through the Motor Vehicle Commission.
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale, have the title notarized, exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance
Obtain New Jersey auto insurance before visiting the MVC — coverage is required for registration
Pass State Inspection
Take the vehicle to a state-run inspection station for emissions and safety check
Visit an NJ MVC Agency
Bring the notarized title, bill of sale, 6 points of ID, proof of insurance, and inspection results
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($60), registration ($35.50-$84), and 6.625% sales tax on the purchase price
New Jersey Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
New Jersey keeps things simple with a flat 6.625% sales tax statewide — there are no additional county or local taxes to worry about. Here's a complete breakdown of the costs to expect:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6.625% of sale price (no local tax) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $60 |
| Registration Fee | $35.50 - $84 (based on vehicle weight) |
| License Plates | $6 (standard plates) |
| Tire Recycling Fee | $1.50 per tire (new tire purchases only) |
| Inspection | Free at state-run stations |
| Duplicate Title | $60 (if title is lost) |
Sample New Jersey Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our New Jersey-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [New Jersey Address]
Municipality: [Municipality]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [New Jersey Address]
Municipality: [Municipality]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
New Jersey Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about New Jersey vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, and MVC requirements.
Official New Jersey Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, locate your nearest MVC agency, and access government forms for your New Jersey vehicle transaction.
NJ Motor Vehicle Commission
Title transfers, registration, and vehicle services
NJ MVC — Title Requirements
Complete list of documents needed for title transfer
NJ Vehicle Inspection Program
Inspection station locations, hours, and requirements
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
Other New Jersey Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for New Jersey? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
New Jersey Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
New Jersey Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
New Jersey Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
New Jersey Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
New Jersey General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
New Jersey ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
New Jersey Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
New Jersey Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your New Jersey Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your NJ MVC-compliant document in minutes. Accepted at every MVC agency statewide.
No account required. Free to create and preview.