What do I need to transfer a vehicle title?

According to the NJ MVC website, a vehicle registered in the name of a decedent may be operated for 30 days after the date of death.  All documents must be brought to a motor vehicle agency or full service agency to complete the transaction. 


If the title is in both the husband and wife’s name:

Submit the old title, a copy of the death certificate and a notarized Affidavit (Form BA-62)

  • The $60 title fee will apply (the existing registration can be transferred for an additional $4.50).  If the vehicle was left in a will:
    • Submit the old title properly assigned by the executor of the estate and a Surrogate's Short Certificate
    • Pay the $60 title fee (the existing registration can be transferred to an immediate member of the family for $4.50)


To transfer ownership to the Estate:

  • Apply for a Entity Identification Number (EIN – formerly CorpCode).
  • Once received, bring the EIN, the old title, the Surrogate's Short Certificate (obtained through the probate or administration process), and your driver’s license as proof of identification to a motor vehicle agency.
  • Pay the $60 title fee (or $85 for a financed vehicle title fee)
  • In addition, a new registration and proof of New Jersey insurance in the estate name is necessary if the vehicle will be operated.


The MVC accepts American Express® card, Visa® card, MasterCard®, Discover card®, check, money order or cash.



Show All Answers

1. Do I need an attorney for this process?
2. If there is no will, then who gets what?
3. What do I do with a vehicle registered only in the decedent's name?
4. What does it mean for a will to be self-proving? What happens if the will is not self-proving?
5. The decedent hasn't spoken to closest next of kin for years. Do I still have to tell the Surrogate's Court about them?
6. What are my duties as executor or administrator?
7. Who is considered next of kin?
8. Am I personally responsible as executor/administrator for the decedent's debts?
9. What if there's not enough money in the estate to pay all debts?
10. What debts of a decedent take priority?
11. What happens if assets were left to a minor?
12. I don't think the executor or administrator is doing their job properly; what can I do?
13. The decedent is still getting social security checks. Should I call someone about this?
14. I have tax questions. Who do I contact?
15. What do I need to transfer a vehicle title?
16. Do I need to come to the Surrogate's Court if the only asset is a vehicle titled to my deceased spouse AND myself?
17. Can I obtain additional / updated estate certificates?
18. How do I obtain an EIN / Tax ID number?
19. I need to obtain a bond. Where can I get one?
20. What effect does a divorce have on a will?
21. What if I don't want my inheritance? How do I disclaim?
22. Who becomes the guardian of orphaned minors if there is no will?
23. How do I file a claim against an estate?
24. Do all states have the same probate laws?
25. What is the commission for being the representative of an estate?
26. What if the decedent died in another country?