New Jersey Bill of Sale

What New Jersey requires for a vehicle sale

• The seller must give the buyer a bill of sale including the buyer's name and address, the sale date, the odometer reading and the sale price.
• The transfer must be done in person at a motor vehicle agency. It cannot be handled by mail.
• The seller signs the seller's section on the back of the title and removes the plates. Plates can move to another vehicle you own, but not to another owner.
• The buyer signs the buyer's section, enters a driver's license or entity ID number, and visits an agency to transfer the title and get plates. Form BA-49 applies in some cases.
• The title must be transferred within 10 working days of the sale date to avoid a $25 penalty.
• The MVC requires an accurate odometer reading. If it is inaccurate, the seller gives an estimate of the actual mileage.
• The sale is exempt from sales tax only if the purchase price line on the title says it is a gift.

New Jersey bill of sale: what to include

Whatever New Jersey requires, a signed bill of sale protects both sides. It proves the price, the date and that the car was sold as-is. Include:

• Seller's and buyer's full names and addresses
• Year, make, model, color and VIN
• Odometer reading on the day of sale
• Sale price and date of sale
• As-is wording, plus a statement that the seller owns the vehicle and any lien is paid off
• Signatures and dates for both parties

Sample as-is wording

I, the seller, sell the vehicle described above to the buyer for the price shown, as-is, with no warranty, express or implied. The seller confirms they are the owner and that the odometer reading is correct to the best of their knowledge. This sale is made under the laws of New Jersey.

Seller checklist (New Jersey)

• Give the buyer a bill of sale with the buyer's name and address, date, odometer reading and price.
• Sign the seller's section on the back of the title.
• Remove the plates and surrender them to an agency unless you are moving them to another vehicle of yours.

Buyer checklist (New Jersey)

• Sign the buyer's section and enter your driver's license number.
• Go to a motor vehicle agency within 10 working days with your ID, the title and the bill of sale.
• Complete BA-49 if it applies to you.

Things to watch in New Jersey

• The MVC only requires notarization for a power of attorney and certain estate affidavits, not for the standard seller and buyer steps.

About this page

We checked this page against the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission sources listed below in November 2026. Where an agency page did not say something, we say so and suggest you check with the agency. Rules, forms and fees change, so confirm with NJ Motor Vehicle Commission before you sign. This is general information, not legal advice.