Official Site of The State of New Jersey

A repossessed vehicle is one whose owner has defaulted on a security agreement, i.e., failed to make payments on a financed or leased vehicle.  Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:10-15, any request to title or sell a repossessed vehicle in New Jersey must be accompanied by a certificate of title. 

 

• If the title has been lost, the lienholder must apply for a duplicate title.  More information regarding obtaining a duplicate title can be found online.
  • All forms documenting the repossession, subsequent sale, and application for a duplicate title may be submitted to the MVC in one package.  This is done through the mail only; the MVC will process all transactions simultaneously.
• The lienholder may also visit a motor vehicle agency to obtain a duplicate title.  The $60 fee will apply.  The MVC accepts American Express® card, Visa® card, MasterCard®, Discover card®, checks, cash and money orders.
• If a vehicle is repossessed and the lien is omitted in error, the title must be corrected.  This transaction is processed by the MVC’s Database Correction Unit; they can be reached at 609-292-6500 ext. 5058.

The Instructions for Default of Security Agreement (Form OS/SS-99) is available online.  If you choose to download the Instructions, be sure to also download the two required forms: Notice of Seizure of Motor Vehicle (OS/SS-55) and Application for Repossession Certificate of Ownership (OS/SS-57).  All three of these documents are one page in length.  If you need assistance, you may call the MVC’s Title Records Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5070; or submit an email to MVCTITLERECORDS@MVC.NJ.GOV.

You may also call 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 original paperwork and the required fees only through the mail.

To seize a vehicle

• Upon seizure of the vehicle, complete the Notice of Seizure of Motor Vehicle (OS/SS-55) and mail to:

 

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Title/Repossession Unit
225 E. State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, NJ 08666-0017

• Notify the owner/debtor, by mail, of the sale of the vehicle. This Notice of Sale must give owner/debtor a reasonable length of time to redeem.

To sell a seized vehicle

 

• After a reasonable length of time – approximately 10 to 14 days – past notification, submit the following:
• Original title (see above if a duplicate title is needed);
• Application for Repossession Certificate of Ownership (OS/SS-57);
• Copy of security agreement/lien contract;
• Copy of Notice of Sale that was sent to owner/debtor;
• Power of Attorney (POA) for the individual signing application; and
• $60 title fee; $85 fee for financed vehicles. If the title is lost and a duplicate title is requested, an additional $60 duplicate fee is required.
• Mail the package to:

 

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Title/Repossession Unit
225 E. State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, NJ 08666-0017

NOTE: Effective August 1, 2014, all courts that submit a Writ of Execution using the Notice of Seizure (OS/SS-55) must submit the form electronically to the MVC Title Record Unit at: MVCTITLERECORDS@MVC.NJ.GOV.

If you have questions regarding any aspect of repossessed vehicles, please call the MVC’s Title Records Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5070.