Lost Car Title in New Jersey: How to Replace It
Replacing a lost car title in New Jersey costs $60, filed with OS/SS-52, Application for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership (in-person (MVC Vehicle Center appointment), mail). That's the entire DIY cost — form-prep services charge $150+ for the same paperwork.
Verified against official New Jersey sources · 2026-06-12 · Reviewed by the CarWhere Vehicle Data Team
State fee
$60
Form
OS/SS-52, Application for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership
How to file
in-person (MVC Vehicle Center appointment) · mail
Processing time
Varies
Official source: www.nj.gov
Buying or selling while the title's being replaced?
A missing title is the moment to check the vehicle itself. The $9.99 Full VIN Report shows the federal record — recalls, owner complaints, service bulletins — plus the original window sticker where available, before any money moves. Run the report →
FAQ
How much does a duplicate car title cost in New Jersey?
$60, paid to the state with OS/SS-52, Application for Duplicate Certificate of Ownership. Verified against the New Jersey titling agency, 2026-06-12. Form-prep services charge $150+ for this same paperwork; the state fee is all that's required.
How long does a replacement title take in New Jersey?
Processing times vary; New Jersey's titling agency publishes current estimates. Filing is available in-person (MVC Vehicle Center appointment), mail.
Can I sell a car in New Jersey while the title is lost?
Generally no — you need the duplicate in hand first, and buyers should insist on it. If you're the buyer in this situation, run the VIN before money moves: the $9.99 CarWhere Full VIN Report shows the federal record (recalls, complaints, service bulletins) and the original window sticker where available, so you know what you're buying while the paperwork catches up.
Do I need a service to replace a lost title?
No. Replacing a lost title is a standard DMV transaction costing $60 that owners complete directly. Paid services charge $150+ to pre-fill the same public form — useful only if your situation is genuinely complicated (no proof of ownership, out-of-state liens, deceased owner).
Sources: fee, form, and timeline from the New Jersey titling agency (linked above). Fees change by statute — always confirm against the official page before filing. Cite this page: CarWhere, "Lost Car Title in New Jersey," carwhere.com/titles/lost-title/new-jersey, verified 2026-06-12.