What a duplicate title is and when you need one
A duplicate title is a replacement certificate of ownership issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) when your original title is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn beyond use. It is a legal document that proves you own the vehicle and is required to sell it, transfer it, or use it as collateral. New Jersey will not issue a duplicate title to someone other than the registered owner without a power of attorney or court order.
You need a duplicate if your original title has been lost or destroyed and you plan to sell the vehicle, trade it in, or refinance a loan against it. If you straightforward want to keep the vehicle and have no when ready transaction planned, you can wait — but the moment you need to prove ownership, you will need that document in hand.
The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, or you can request it in person at an MVC office and receive it the same day if you bring all required documents and pay the rush fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit your request in person at an MVC office or by mail to the MVC headquarters in Trenton, along with a completed form and a government-issued photo ID.
- The standard fee is $25, or $50 if you request it in person and want it the same day.
- If your vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lienholder's name will appear on the duplicate title just as it did on the original.
- If your title was stolen, you should also file a police report and include a copy with your request to the MVC.
- New Jersey will not mail a duplicate title to an address different from the one on your registration without written permission from the registered owner.
Documents and information you need to bring
To request a duplicate title, you will need your current vehicle registration and a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The MVC will not accept an expired ID, so check the expiration date before you go.
If you are requesting the duplicate by mail, you must also complete Form BA-49 (process for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership). You can read this form from the MVC website or pick one up at any MVC office. Print it, sign it, and mail it along with a copy of your photo ID and registration to the MVC in Trenton. Do not send your original documents — send copies only.
If your title was stolen, include a copy of the police report. If the title is damaged but you still have it, send the damaged title along with your request. If you are requesting the duplicate on behalf of the owner (for example, as a spouse or family member with power of attorney), bring the original power of attorney document and your own ID.
In-person versus mail requests
You can request a duplicate title at any of the 19 MVC service centers across New Jersey. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. If you go in person with all required documents, you can pay $50 and receive the duplicate title on the same day in most cases. This is the fastest route if you need the title urgently.
If you mail your request, send it to the MVC headquarters at 225 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666. Include the completed Form BA-49, a copy of your photo ID, a copy of your registration, and a check or money order for $25 payable to "New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission." Do not send cash. The standard processing time is two to three weeks from the date the MVC receives your envelope.
If you mail your request, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the MVC to return any documents you send along with your duplicate title. Otherwise, the MVC will keep them on file.
What happens if there is a lien on your vehicle
If you financed your vehicle through a bank or credit union, the lender's name appears on your title as the lienholder. When you request a duplicate, the MVC will issue a title with the lienholder's name in the same position as it appeared on the original. You do not need permission from the lienholder to request a duplicate, and the lienholder does not need to sign anything.
However, if the lien has been paid off since the original title was issued and you have not yet received a new title showing you as the sole owner, tell the MVC when you submit your duplicate request. Bring proof that the lien was satisfied (a letter from the lender or a paid-off notice). The MVC can issue a duplicate title without the lienholder's name, which will save you time later if you plan to sell the vehicle.
Scam alert: Fake title services
Do not use online services that claim to obtain a duplicate title for you without your direct involvement with the MVC. These services are either scams or they are straightforward filling out the form for you and mailing it in — something you can do yourself for $25 instead of paying them $100 or more. The MVC will only issue a title to the registered owner or someone with a valid power of attorney, so no third party can bypass this requirement.
If someone offers to obtain a title for a vehicle you do not own, or offers to create a false title, that is fraud and is a felony in New Jersey. Do not participate. If you suspect title fraud, report it to the MVC at 609-292-6500 or to the New Jersey State Police.
Be cautious of websites that look like the official MVC site but have a slightly different URL. The real MVC website is nj.gov/mvc. Bookmark it or type it directly into your browser rather than clicking a link in an email or search result.
What to do if you need the title before the standard wait
If you are selling or trading in your vehicle and the buyer or dealer needs the title within a few days, your fastest option is to visit an MVC office in person and pay the $50 rush fee. Bring all required documents and arrive early in the day to minimize wait time. Most offices can issue a duplicate title on the same day if you arrive before mid-afternoon.
If you cannot visit an MVC office, call 609-292-6500 and explain your situation. The MVC may be able to expedite a mailed request in certain circumstances, though this is not may provide. Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number ready when you call.
If the sale or trade-in is time-sensitive, contact the buyer or dealer and ask whether they will accept a temporary document from the MVC while the duplicate title is being processed. Some dealers will hold a vehicle for a few weeks while paperwork is completed, especially if you have already signed a purchase agreement.
After you receive your duplicate title
When the duplicate title arrives, check it for accuracy. Verify that your name, address, VIN, and vehicle description match your registration. If the lienholder's name appears and you have since paid off the loan, contact the MVC to request a corrected title showing you as the sole owner.
Store the duplicate title in a safe place — a home safe, a safe deposit box at a bank, or with important documents. Do not leave it in the vehicle. If you lose this duplicate, you will have to request another one and pay the fee again.
If you are selling the vehicle, you will sign the back of the title and give it to the buyer. The buyer will then submit it to the MVC along with the bill of sale to register the vehicle in their name. Keep a copy of the signed title for your records before you hand it over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a duplicate title if the vehicle has an outstanding loan?
Yes. The duplicate will show the lender's name as the lienholder, just as the original did. You do not need the lender's permission to request a duplicate. If the loan has been paid off since the original title was issued, bring proof of payoff and the MVC can issue a title without the lienholder's name.
What if I lost my title years ago and never replaced it?
You can still request a duplicate at any time. The MVC keeps records of all titles issued, so as long as the vehicle is registered in your name, you can obtain a duplicate. Bring your current registration and photo ID.
Do I need to notify my insurance company when I get a duplicate title?
No. A duplicate title does not change your ownership or your insurance coverage. Your policy remains the same. However, if you are selling the vehicle, notify your insurance company so they can cancel or transfer the policy.
Can someone else pick up my duplicate title from the MVC office?
Only if you give them a signed power of attorney document. Otherwise, the MVC will only release the title to the person whose name is on the registration. If you cannot go in person, mailing your request is the simplest option.
What if my duplicate title arrives with the wrong information?
Contact the MVC when ready at 609-292-6500 with your registration number and VIN. You can also visit an MVC office in person. The MVC will issue a corrected title at no additional charge if the error was made by the MVC.