New Jersey Car Bill of Sale: Form + Requirements
New Jersey recommends a bill of sale for private vehicle transfers. The state doesn't publish a single mandatory form. Notarization is not required. The Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) handles title transfers.
Is a bill of sale required in New Jersey?
Recommended but not strictly required. NJ's title transfer process focuses on the title and the buyer's MVC visit.
Notarization
Not required.
State-specific form
NJ doesn't publish a single mandatory bill of sale form. Generic templates with the required fields are acceptable.
The bill of sale should include:
- Seller's full legal name, address
- Buyer's full legal name, address
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
Sales tax implications
New Jersey state sales tax: 6.625% on motor vehicles. The buyer pays at the MVC at title transfer.
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
- Annual inspection: required for NJ-registered vehicles (safety + emissions for older vehicles)
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
- Fuel-type tax: NJ exempts diesel passenger vehicles from the standard motor vehicle sales tax in some cases (zero-emission vehicles also exempt)
Where to file
The buyer files at any NJ MVC office within 10 days of sale.
For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale in New Jersey?
Recommended but not strictly required.
Does NJ require a notarized bill of sale?
No.
What's the sales tax on a private car sale in NJ?
6.625% on motor vehicles. The buyer pays at the MVC at title transfer.
Are EVs exempt from sales tax in NJ?
Yes — New Jersey exempts zero-emission vehicles (electric) from the standard motor vehicle sales tax.
What form do I use?
No single mandatory form. Generic templates with the required fields are acceptable.
Where do I file the bill of sale in NJ?
At any NJ MVC office, with the signed title. Within 10 days of sale.
Does NJ require inspection?
Yes — annual safety inspection. Older vehicles also require emissions testing.
What if I lost the title in NJ?
Apply for a duplicate at the NJ MVC.
Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?
The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major defects.
Selling a car in New Jersey?
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