Abandoned Vehicles


What is an abandoned vehicle?

A vehicle is considered abandoned if it has been in the same public location for at least three consecutive days. Most often, it will be damaged or missing critical components, such as the engine, wheels, tires or plates.

The procedures governing these vehicles vary depending on the location of the abandoned vehicle, i.e., private or public property, or repair facility; or if the vehicle is an abandoned mobile home.  Details for each scenario are provided below.

Abandoned Vehicles on Private Property

This procedure covers vehicles abandoned on private property in New Jersey. By law, all such vehicles must be put up for public sale/auction. However, if a sale cannot be completed through an auction, the property owner may apply for a title in their name only.  This procedure is governed by N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.6.

The Procedures for Vehicles Abandoned on Private Propert is available online.  The packet contains several forms (OS/SS-138; SS-58; DO-22; OS/SS-135; OS/SS-136; OS/SS-139; and OS/SS-140) with a total of 16 pages.  If you choose to download the packet, ensure you have all the forms and correct number of pages.  If you need assistance, you may call the MVC’s Foreign Title Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5064; or submit an email to MVC.SpecialTitle@mvc.nj.gov .

You may also call or email the MVC if you want a packet mailed to you.  Although a packet may be requested and sent to you through the mail or by email, you must submit all original paperwork and the required fees only through the mail.  Checks or money orders should be made payable to the NJMVC, in accordance with the amounts noted on the forms contained in the packet.

Submit the packet to:

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Titles - Foreign Title Unit
225 East State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0017

Abandoned Vehicle on Public Property

This procedure is for vehicles abandoned on New Jersey public property.  By law, all such vehicles must either be offered for sale at public auction or junked. A junk title will be issued only if the vehicle is inoperable or cannot be put in safe operational condition except at a cost in excess of the value of the vehicle. This procedure is governed by N.J.S.A.39:10A-1 through 39:10-7.

The Public Agency’s Guide to Abandoned & Unclaimed Vehicles is available online. The packet contains several forms (OS/SS-322; OS/SS-89; OS/SS-87; Sample Bill of Sale; and Public Agency Checklist for Abandoned Vehicles) with a total of six pages.  If you choose to download the packet, ensure you have all the forms and correct number of pages.  If you need assistance, you may call the MVC’s Abandoned Title Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5069; or submit an email to MVC.SpecialTitle@mvc.nj.gov.

You may also call or email the MVC if you want a packet mailed to you.  Although a packet may be requested and sent to you through the mail or by email, you must submit all original paperwork and the required fees only through the mail.  Checks or money orders should be made payable to the NJMVC, in accordance with the amounts noted on the forms contained in the package.

Submit the packet to:

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Titles - Abandoned Title Unit
225 East State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0017

Abandoned Vehicles at an Auto Body Repair Facility (business owners)

New Jersey law provides that if a motor vehicle is abandoned at your repair facility, you may have it removed and stored, you may sell it at a public or private sale, or you may cause a junk title to be issued (N.J.S.A. 39:10A-9 et seq.).

If a vehicle has been left at your facility for more than 60 days without your consent, or for more than 60 days after you notified the owner that repairs have been completed, you may deem the vehicle to be abandoned.

The Instructions for Disposal of Motor Vehicles Abandoned at New Jersey Repair Facilities is available online. The packet contains several forms (OS/SS-358; DO-22;OS/SS-21; OS/SS-357; OS/SS-135A; OS/SS-321; OS/SS-94; OS/SS-323; and OS/SS-324) with a total of 17 pages.  If you choose to download the packet, ensure you have all the forms and correct number of pages.  If you need assistance, you may call the MVC’s Abandoned Title Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5064 or submit an email to MVC.SpecialTitle@mvc.nj.gov.

You may also call or email the MVC if you want a packet mailed to you.  Although a packet may be requested and sent to you through the mail or by email, you must submit all original paperwork and the required fees only through the mail.  Checks or money orders should be made payable to the NJMVC, in accordance with the amounts noted on the forms contained in the packet.

Submit the packet to:

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Titles - Abandoned Title Unit
225 East State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0017

Abandoned Mobile Home

These instructions concern the disposition of any tangible goods, chattels, manufactured or mobile homes, or other personal property left upon a premise by a tenant.  The mobile home in question must be abandoned in New Jersey. These instructions are in accordance with P.L. 1999 c.340 and supplement N.J.S.A. 2A:18-73 and N.J.S.A. 39:10-1 et seq.

The Instructions for Disposal of Abandoned Mobile Homes is available online. The packet contains several forms (OS/SS-120; DO-22; OS/SS-UTA; OS/SS-62; OS/SS-122; and OS/SS-121) with a total of 10 pages.  If you choose to download the packet, ensure you have all the forms and correct number of pages.  If you need assistance, you may call the MVC’s Abandoned Title Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5069 or submit an email to MVC.SpecialTitle@mvc.nj.gov.

You may also call or email the MVC if you want a packet mailed to you.  Although a packet may be requested and sent to you through the mail or by email, you must submit all original paperwork and the required fees only through the mail.  Checks or money orders should be made payable to the NJMVC, in accordance with the amounts noted on the forms contained in the packet.

Submit the packet to:

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Titles - Abandoned Title Unit
225 East State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0017