Vehicle owners with a lost car title in New Jersey will be able to obtain a replacement via the state Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Motorists wondering how to replace a vehicle title will be required to follow the given instructions and complete the specific requirements as set by the MVC.

The documents necessary to replace a lost car title at the DMV in NJ may differ depending on whether the vehicle in question is financed or not as well as whether vehicle owners are requesting a duplicate for a damaged title certificate among other situations. Motorists usually need to finalize their replacement procedure timely and properly, as having valid proof of ownership may be mandatory for completing other vehicle-related procedure, such as an vehicle registration or title transfer.

For more information about how to get a replacement car title in New Jersey, continue reading below.

When do you need to get a duplicate car title in New Jersey?

The process to request a replacement car title may be initiated due to several reasons. Vehicle owners generally submit an NJ replacement car title request in case they have lost their original document. Other reasons for applying for a duplicate include having a damaged or stolen certificate of title. Regardless of the reason, it is imperative to possess a valid proof of ownership due to its use in different official MVC proceedings.

Documents Required When Applying for a New Jersey Car Title Copy

The requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title in NJ include furnishing documents. The required documents for replacing a car title in NJ may vary depending on the circumstances of your case.

For instance, if you are applying to replace a lost vehicle title for a motor vehicle that is not financed, then you will be required to furnish a completed replacement title application form along with a current or expired registration certificate, proof of insurance or a certified registration record. Proof of identification, such as your NJ driving license will also need to accompany your application.

The documents needed during the process of how to get a new title if lost or damaged for vehicles that are financed are similar. However, there is supplemental paperwork needed. Note that in addition to the aforementioned documentation, applicants will also need to submit a statement from the current or past lienholder including the following details:

• The name of the owner
• Vehicle information, such as the vehicle identification number, year and make
• A lien release letter stating that the original title certificate is not in possession of the lienholder and that the motor vehicle was paid in full

Car owners applying to replace a lost car title at the DMV in New Jersey due to a damaged original certificate will be required to furnish a request for a duplicate that includes the exact reason for the damage to the title, details about the vehicle in question, the owner(s) name and address as well as the original title certificate. These procedures for requesting a replacement car title cannot be finalized unless applicants provide payment for the applicable fee.

Note: Additional steps and documents may apply during the process of how to replace a stolen car title if vehicle owners do not have proof of ownership but the vehicle is registered in New Jersey.

Available Methods for Replacing Your Car Title in New Jersey

The currently available methods for submitting a New Jersey replacement car title request are in person and via mail. Applicants who decide to replace a lost car title in person will be required to visit a nearby NJ motor vehicle agency to surrender the applicable paperwork to an MVC employee.

If unable to replace their lost car title in person at a title office, vehicle owners may submit all the required documents via mail to the Motor Vehicle Commission. Currently, there is no way to replace a car title online.

By Mail

If you wish to successfully replace a car title by mail in NJ, then ensure you have all the required paperwork ready for submission. Note that your application package for replacing a vehicle title will depend on your circumstances.

Also, when submitting your replacement title application form via mail do not include cash, as this is not an acceptable form of payment for mail-in requests. If your application form for an NJ lost car title replacement is not filled out completely and correctly and the supporting documents are not submitted, then the Motor Vehicle Commission has the authority to reject your request.

In Person

The process to replace a lost car title in person at a title office is always an available option for motor vehicle owners who are not able to send their replacement application via mail. The New Jersey requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title at a motor vehicle agency are similar to those that apply to mail-in replacements.

Before going to a local branch to replace a lost auto title at the DMV, applicants must make sure that they have the required documents on hand and that they are able to pay the set duplicate price. Motorists who present an incomplete application package may have their request for a car title search and duplicate copy rejected.

How to Fill out the Duplicate Car Title Application in New Jersey

Providing a properly completed application for requesting a replacement car title is mandatory for car owners who wish to finalize their transaction in due time. Fraudulent applications for lost auto title replacements may be subject to steep fines and additional punishments. The information required in a replacement title application form includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Details about the titled owner(s), such as his/her name, driving license number, date of birth, address and more
• Description of the vehicle in question
• Lienholder information if applicable
• Legal signatures of title owner(s) and date

Note: If you are wondering how to replace a vehicle title in New Jersey that has been damaged, then you will need to write and submit a request for a replacement including details such as the reason for the damage, vehicle information and personal data about the owner(s).

New Jersey Car Title Replacement Fees

Applicants will need to pay a $60 fee in order to replace their title. However, keep in mind that prices are subject to change without notice at the discretion of the NJ DMV. The acceptable forms of payment for lost auto title replacements include cash, checks, money orders and credit/debit cards. There forms of payment may vary based on the application method.

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