Free New Jersey Car Bill of Sale
New Jersey handles title transfers at the MVC (Motor Vehicle Commission, not DMV — NJ renamed in 2003). The state's 6.625% sales tax is flat statewide with no local add-ons, and NJ's biennial inspection is free at state stations. Signatures on a New Jersey title need no notary; notarization comes into play only for a seller statement on a vehicle from a non-title state or a Power of Attorney.
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New Jersey Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
6.625% state sales tax, no local add-ons. Tax is on actual sale price. New Jersey's 0.4% luxury and fuel-inefficient vehicle surcharge and its $1.50-per-tire fee apply to new vehicles and new tires, not to a private sale of a used car.
Inspection Requirements
NJ requires a biennial emissions inspection for most passenger vehicles (free at state inspection stations); regular passenger cars get no safety inspection. No inspection at private sale transfer, but vehicles must be current for registration.
New Jersey Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Complete bill of sale with VIN, odometer, sale price, signatures.
- Seller completes odometer disclosure on NJ title.
- Seller and buyer both sign the title — no notary is needed for a New Jersey title.
- Seller removes plates (plates-to-owner in NJ).
- Buyer transfers the title at an NJ MVC agency within 10 working days.
- Buyer pays 6.625% sales tax + $60 title fee + registration.
- NJ inspection (free at state stations) — biennial; not required at transfer but required to keep registered.
- Lien vehicles: seller provides lien release before title signing.
Common Pitfalls
- Missing the 10-business-day deadline — a $25 late penalty applies.
- Leaving plates on the car — NJ is plates-to-owner, remove them.
- Expecting local county tax — NJ has no local sales tax on vehicles, only 6.625% state flat.
- Mistakes on the title assignment — a New Jersey title needs no notary, but signatures and entries must be complete and in the right sections.
Pro Tip
NJ car sales: title transfer at the MVC, 6.625% flat tax, plates-to-owner, 10-working-day deadline. Remember MVC, not DMV.