REPLACEMENT TITLE – NEW JERSEY
You cannot transfer ownership of your vehicle if you do not possess the Title Certificate. The most common reason you would not possess the Certificate is that there is a lienholder (lender) for the vehicle. In this case the lien holder maintains control of the title until the lien (loan) is paid off. This common situation does not require a replacement of the original title, but instead a transfer of the title to you.
REPLACEMENT. The title must be “replaced” if the original has been lost, damaged (rips, coffee stains, water damage), has cross outs or white outs, or has incorrect entries (such as seller’s printed name and signature not matching the official names on the front of the title) or signatures in the wrong place.
The required application form for a replacement (duplicate) title is at the link *New Jersey is bad at maintaining their website and their links constantly change despite it being terrible for their users – consider this when you vote and just call them because online you are not going to get reliable information for the state of New Jersey. You will need a check or money order for $60 and a copy of your driver’s license. If you are replacing a damaged title, submit the damaged title along with the application. You can mail it to address shown on the form, or take it to a motor vehicle agency.
NOTE: If the vehicle was financed you will need a statement from the lienholder (lender) stating that the lien was paid off, and the title was sent to you (If the loan isn’t paid off, you can’t get the paper copy).
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