New Jersey Bill of Sale Requirements & Free Form

New Jersey requirements

• The MVC instructs sellers to give the buyer the signed title along with a bill of sale stating the buyer's name and address, the date of sale, the odometer reading, and the sale price, so a bill of sale is an expected part of a New Jersey private sale.
• The buyer must transfer the title in person at a motor vehicle agency; this transaction cannot be handled through the mail.
• New Jersey or dealer reassigned titles must be transferred within 10 working days of the sale date to avoid a $25 penalty.
• An accurate odometer reading is required at the time of sale; if the reading is inaccurate the seller must provide an estimate of the actual mileage.
• Sales tax applies to private sales unless an exemption applies, such as a vehicle marked as a gift on the title; the seller removes and keeps or surrenders the plates.
• Notarization of the bill of sale is not required by MVC guidance; New Jersey has no single official private party bill of sale form, so our general purpose template covers the details the MVC lists.

Frequently asked questions

Is a bill of sale required for a private car sale in New Jersey?

Yes, in practice. The NJ MVC tells sellers to hand over the signed title together with a bill of sale showing the buyer's name and address, sale date, odometer reading, and price.

How long does a buyer have to transfer a title in New Jersey?

10 working days from the date of sale for New Jersey or dealer reassigned titles. Missing the window adds a $25 penalty, and the transfer must be completed in person at a motor vehicle agency.

Official sources

• https://www.nj.gov/mvc/vehicles/transowner.htm