A New Jersey motor vehicle bill of sale is used to record the legal sale and change of ownership of a vehicle in a private transaction. The information that must be supplied on the form includes each party’s contact information, the purchase price, the date of the transaction, and the vehicle’s manufacturer, model, and year. Both the buyer and seller must sign the document, at which point the sale is considered complete and final. Although it is recommended that private transactions always use a signed bill of sale as a security for both parties, state registration procedures do not require one.

New Jersey Vehicle Registration/Titling

In New Jersey, when an individual buys a used vehicle through a private transaction, they will need to have it registered and titled in their name by following the below steps.

1. Obtain the vehicle title from the seller with the assignment section on the back completed and signed over to the buyer;
2. Complete a Vehicle Registration Application;
3. Go to their local Motor Vehicle Commission office with the following paperwork:
   • Vehicle title
   • Completed Vehicle Registration Application
   • Driver’s license
   • Proof of insurance policy
4. Pay the registration and titling fees; and
5. Pay vehicle sales tax.