How Do I Get a Salvage Title in New Jersey?

Salvaged vehicles must have titles in New Jersey.

New Jersey requires that all salvaged vehicles have a title, even if they will not be restored. New Jersey considers a vehicle salvaged, or a total loss, if it has been destroyed, wrecked or damaged to an extent that insurance will not pay for repairs. Obtaining a salvage title in New Jersey requires several documents showing proof of the vehicle's status and release information. Salvage titles can be obtained with or without the original vehicle title.

Instructions

Title Requests

1. Navigate online to the State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website and click "Vehicles" followed by "Titles" and "Special vehicles." Click "Salvage titles" and then "OS-61 Application for Salvage Certificate of Title." Print and complete the title application.

2. Collect the required information for the vehicle, including the vehicle's certificate of title, power of attorney (if applicable) and the insurance listing sheet. The insurance listing sheet must be provided by the insurance company that determined the vehicle was salvaged. This form must be printed on the insurance company's letterhead and completed by an insurance agent or appraiser. The power of attorney is only necessary for auto auctions that require a title.

3. Complete the title application and obtain a money order for it. As of May 2011, the fee for a salvage title is $60 if requested within 10 days of the vehicle being purchased, and $85 if requested after 10 days of the vehicle being purchased.

4. Visit the web page for one of the eight State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission offices that provide salvage titles and submit the completed application, the documentation and the payment to a Motor Vehicle Commission employee for processing. As of May 2011, a salvage vehicle title can only be obtained at the Wayne, North Bergen, Springfield, Eatontown, Runnemeade and Manahawkin Motor Vehicle Commission locations. The title will be provided the same day if possible or the following day. All mail requests must be sent to New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission; Special Title/Salvage Unit; 225 East State Street; PO Box 017; Trenton, NJ 08666. The title will be mailed to the address listed on the application within six weeks of receipt.

Insurance Company Request with No Title

1. Navigate online to the State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website and click "Vehicles" followed by "Titles" and "Special vehicles." Click "Salvage titles" and click "OS-61 Application for Salvage Certificate of Title." Print and complete the title application with the insurance company exemption code, sales tax ID, completed sales tax stamp with date of purchase and a signature on the back of the application.

2. Complete a notarized letter stating that a settlement has been paid to the policyholder and the insurance company has possession of the vehicle. If the vehicle was purchased at auction you must state that the vehicle policy holder or owner did not provide the vehicle title. You must also include a letter stating the payment was cashed and not returned as undeliverable.

3. Complete a notarized letter stating "As an authorized representative of the "Name" Insurance Company, I certify that this company has legitimately obtained possession of the vehicle carrying "VIN" (vehicle identification number) and that the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will bear no financial responsibility for any errors or misrepresentations made by this company or authorized representative(s) in regard to the possession and future sale of this vehicle." This letter must be signed by an insurance company representative and include the VIN.

4. Provide the proof of total loss settlement including the policyholder name, address and VIN. You also must provide the original lien satisfaction documentation with a front and back copy of the check providing payment to the lien holder or policyholder, as well as a copy of the certified letter that was sent to the owner from the insurance company requesting the title along with the original certified mail receipt. If there was any mail sent back as undeliverable to the insurance company you must include a copy of it with the application. If the original title is available you must include the complete back side of the title and submit it with the application.

5. Provide a check for the title fee. As of May 2011, the application fee is $60 and should be made payable to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission or NJMVC. Mail the required documents and the application fee to the NJMVC; Special Title/Salvage Unit; 225 East State Street; PO Box 017; Trenton, NJ 08666. The title will be mailed to the address listed on the application within six weeks of receipt. These titles can only be request by mail.

References

• State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission: Salvage vehicles
• State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission: How to obtain a salvage title
• New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission: Salvage Title for Vehicle
• New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission: Submission Checklist -- Request for Salvage Title
• State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission: Special vehicle titles