Signing Over A Car
N.J.S.A. 39:10-9 — the seller assigns the certificate of ownership, and the buyer has 10 working days
The seller. When a used motor vehicle is sold in New Jersey, the seller executes and delivers to the purchaser an assignment of the certificate of ownership. Where the vehicle is subject to a security interest, or the original certificate is otherwise not in the seller's possession, and the purchaser is a licensed New Jersey motor vehicle dealer, the seller may instead execute a secure power of attorney or other documents the chief administrator requires, authorizing the dealer to execute the original title once the dealer has it.
A loan on the car. If a security interest exists at the time of sale and continues afterward, or one is taken in connection with the sale to secure the price or a loan for it, the name and business or residence address of the secured party is noted on the certificate of ownership.
The buyer, within 10 working days. A purchaser other than a licensed dealer submits evidence of the purchase within 10 working days after it, and on presentation of the certificate with the seller's proper assignment, a record is made and a certificate of ownership is issued. The fee is $20, or $30 where the sale is subject to a security interest. A purchaser who does not comply pays a penalty of $25 plus the issuing and filing fee, and the failure is not a misdemeanor.
Buying from a dealer. A licensed New Jersey dealer who sells a vehicle need not deliver the assignment or certificate of ownership at the time of sale, if the dealer has satisfied all liens noted on the certificate, has the right to title at the time of sale, and attests to both in a writing delivered to the purchaser at the time of sale.
Registration and plates, the odometer statement and sales tax are set out in other sections that are not on this page. Whether a particular sale was completed is a question for a licensed New Jersey attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- N.J.S.A. 39:10-9 — Subsequent sales; power of attorney, security interests
- N.J.S.A. 39:10-11 — Certificate of ownership; fees
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Jersey attorney.