Replacing a Lost Title in New Jersey

Replacing a Lost Title in New Jersey

Losing your title document is not difficult to do. Fortunately, the process with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is relatively painless.

This page outlines the process of applying for a duplicate title in New Jersey. You'll find information about fees and how to make updates to your vehicle title.

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen NJ Title

You'll need to apply for a replacement title if yours has been lost or stolen.

You can submit your request for a replacement copy of your vehicle title by mail or in person at your local NJ MVC office.

You'll need to:

  • Bring a completed Application for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership (Form OS/SS-52)*.
    • If the vehicle is financed or leased, you must also have a statement from the lien holder that includes the:
      • Lien holder or owner’s name.
      • The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), year and make.
      • Signed statement that the original title is not in their possession.
  • Show your current registration papers.
  • Provide proof of auto insurance.
  • Pay the $60 duplicate title fee.
  • Visit your local Motor Vehicle Commission OR send a copy of your current registration papers and proof of car insurance with the completed application and fees to:

State of New Jersey
Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Title Section/Duplicate Titles
P.O. Box 017
Trenton, NJ 08666

Duplicate titles that have lien will be mailed to the lien holder.

Replacing a Damaged NJ Vehicle Title

A damaged title will also need to be replaced, but the process is a bit different than one that has been lost or stolen. You can visit your local MVC Agency or send a letter requesting a replacement. Either way, you'll need to provide the same information:

  • Statement telling the reason for the damage.
  • Your name and address.
  • Vehicle description, including the make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • Damaged title.

The fee for replacing a damaged title is $60.

If you wish to request a replacement by mail, submit the required information and replacement fee to:

Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Titles Section/Duplicate Titles
P.O. Box 146
225 E. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666


Errors & Other Title Scenarios

If there is an error on your title, you'll need to submit your request by mail or in person at a NJ motor vehicle agency.

In Person

When you visit the NJ MVC agency, you'll need to provide proof of correction and the $60 correction change (if applicable).

The MVC will not charge you any amount if the error on your title was caused by the MVC.

By Mail

To forward your request by mail, you'll need to:

  • Send a written request with the original document that needs correcting and proof of the error.
  • Mail your documents and the $60 title correction fee (unless it was caused by MVC) to:

Motor Vehicle Commission
Data Base Corrections Unit
P.O. Box 146
225 E. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666

For a vehicle that is financed or leased, you must also have a statement from the lien holder that includes the:

  • Lien holder or owner’s name.
  • The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), year and make.
  • Signed statement that the original title is not in the lien holder's possession.

Spoiled Title?

If you canceled a vehicle sale right in the middle of it after already filling all the information on the title, you can apply for a corrected title as the seller.

You'll need to:

  • Write a letter that includes your name, the vehicle year, make, and VIN.
  • Attached a written statement with your signature that explains the situation.
  • Be sure to include the original title.
  • Send a check or money order for the $60 correction fee to:

Motor Vehicle Commission
Data Base Corrections Unit
P.O. Box 146
225 E. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666

Forms

OS/SS-52
Application for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership Form
Request a duplicate NJ car title from the MVC.
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