A duplicate New Jersey title is provided when a vehicle’s original title is lost, stolen, or destroyed. When a duplicate title is created, the original title is rendered invalid. Fees for lost and damaged titles are regulated by law. A fine may be imposed if the individual who applies for a duplicate title knowingly has the original title. The existing owner, lienholder, or a New Jersey licensed dealer may request a duplicate title for a car.
How to Get or Replace a Duplicate New Jersey Title
If you’re in New Jersey and need a replacement title, you can request one in person at any Vehicle Center, provided you have proof of ownership. However, if you don’t have proof of ownership, you must request a duplicate title by mail.
How much does it cost to get a duplicate title in New Jersey?
Replacing a New Jersey title costs $60.00.
Items Required to Get a Duplicate New Jersey Title
You must complete a Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA) to obtain a duplicate title. If you have proof of ownership, use the form with proof of ownership. If you do not have proof of ownership, use the form without it. Also, bring your driver’s license or a valid photo I.D.
Items you may need:
- Driver’s License Number for Each Owner
- License Plate Number
- Vehicle’s VIN, Year, Make, Model, Body Type, and Color
- Current Odometer Reading
If you don’t have proof of ownership, you will also need the following:
- A Title/Lien Search Request (Form DO-22) (if the vehicle has never been registered in New Jersey)
- A Vehicle Registration Application Request (Form DO-11A) (if the vehicle has previously been registered in New Jersey)
- A separate $15 check or money order made payable to “NJMVC.”
- Two color photographs of the vehicle from the front and the back.
For an Individual
- Valid Photo Identification
- New Jersey Registration or Insurance Card (Current or Expired)
- Lien Release Letter (if applicable)
For a Business
- Valid Photo Identification
- New Jersey Registration or Insurance Card (Current or Expired)
- Power of Attorney and/or Letter of Authorization from Entity (Both Must Be Notarized and Original)
For a Lienholder
- Valid Photo Identification
- Loan Contract or Lease Agreement
- Lien Release Letter (if applicable)
- Power of Attorney and/or Letter of Authorization from Entity (Both Must Be Notarized and Original)
If the vehicle is leased/financed, you must have all of the above documentation, plus a statement from the current/past lien holder that includes the following:
- Owner’s Name
- Make, Year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- A signed statement from the representative submitting the letter on behalf of the lien holder declaring that the original title is not in their possession.
NOTE: A duplicate title issued with a lien will be mailed to the lien holder.
How to Get a Duplicate New Jersey Title In Person (with Proof of Ownership)
To replace a New Jersey title in person, you must:
- Schedule an appointment at a Vehicle Center.
- Provide a current or expired registration, proof of insurance, or certified registration record.
- Bring the original title (if damaged).
- Submit your Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA) | with proof of ownership.
- Pay the $60.00 title fee.
The following in-person payment methods accepted are:
- American Express® Card
- MasterCard®
- Visa® Card
- Discover Card®
- Check
- Money Order
- Cash
Make your check or money order payable to “NJMVC”.
How to Get a Duplicate New Jersey Title by Mail (without Proof of Ownership)
- Fill out the Title/Lien Search Request (Form DO-22) (if the vehicle has never been registered in New Jersey) or the Vehicle Registration Application Request (Form DO-11A) (if the vehicle has previously been registered in New Jersey).
- Include an accepted form of payment for the $15.00 title/lien search fee.
- Send the form and payment to the address listed below:
Certified Information Unit
PO Box 146
Trenton, NJ 08666 - After you have received the search/application results, you can proceed to fill out the remaining paperwork in Step 5.
- Fill out your Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA) | without proof of ownership.
- Include an accepted form of payment for the $60.00 title fee.
- Send the form and payment to the address listed below:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Titles Section/Duplicate Titles
225 East State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, NJ 08666-0017
By mail, payment methods accepted are:
- Check
- Money Order
Ensure you write the recipient as “NJMVC” when you pay.
How long does it take to get a duplicate title in New Jersey?
When obtaining a replacement title in New Jersey, if you make the request in person, you may be able to receive the document on the same day unless it needs to be sent to a lienholder. However, if the replacement title must be processed by mail, it can take 8 to 12 weeks to complete the process.
Forms
Form Name | Form Number | Description |
---|---|---|
Universal Title Application, with proof of ownership | Form OS/SS-UTA | Use this form to apply for a duplicate title in New Jersey when you have proof of vehicle ownership. |
Universal Title Application, without proof of ownership | Form OS/SS-UTA | Use this form to apply for a duplicate title in New Jersey when you do NOT have proof of vehicle ownership. |
Title/Lien Search Request | Form DO-22 | This form should be used when applying for a duplicate New Jersey title, and the vehicle has never been registered in New Jersey. |
Vehicle Registration Application Request | Form DO-11A | This form should be used when applying for a duplicate New Jersey title, and the vehicle has previously been registered in New Jersey. |