[NJ] How do I register a car without proper documents?

Lexi, Chatbot

That sounds frustrating. To help the Lawyer understand your situation better, could you tell me if you have any documentation or a bill of sale from the transaction?

Lexi, Chatbot

Thank you for sharing that. Is the title signed over to you, or are there any issues with the information on it?

Lexi, Chatbot

Got it. Is there any contact information or address for the previous owner on the title?

Lexi, Chatbot

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're facing with the car purchase; could you please provide the state where this issue occurred, as it will help us understand the legal context specific to your location?

Lexi, Chatbot

OK. Thanks for the info. The Lawyer can help with your vehicle registration issue involving incorrect paperwork.

Legal Eagle

Hello! Legal Eagle here, and I am an attorney specializing in your area of law. I am more than happy to help you with your situation! Have you attempted to contact the previous owner since the sale, and if so, what was their response?

Legal Eagle

Ok thanks! Just a few more questions. Are there any specific deadlines or time constraints you are facing regarding the vehicle registration?

Have you consulted with any local authorities or agencies about this issue, and if so, what feedback did you receive?

Legal Eagle

Understood! So you're just wondering what it is you can do here, correct?

Also, I really appreciate you using AskaLawyer — it means a lot to be able to help. Let’s make this a smooth session for you, and you can add me as a favorite after we're done.

Legal Eagle

Ok I've got what you're getting at here! Were there any other facts you'd like to add before I answered your question?

Legal Eagle

Ok! I've been working on an answer while we've been chatting, so it'll just be a moment.

Legal Eagle

I'm so sorry about this situation! I want to address your situation with a detailed response, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask because this law stuff can get complicated.

So legally speaking, the short answer is because you bought it privately, because you can't find the seller, because NJ doesn't do a bonded title process, and because you don't have a bill of sale, it leaves you with very little you can do. If you have any other documentation of the sale, such as text messages, emails, payment receipts, or bank statements showing payment to the seller, bring these to the MVC. (MVC Title Transfer Requirements)

Sometimes, additional proof can help, but it is not guaranteed they will accept it. In rare cases, if you truly cannot obtain the paperwork and cannot contact the seller, you may be able to apply for a title through the “Improper Evidence of Ownership” procedure, but this is complex and usually applies to old, non-titled vehicles.

Without a bill of sale or the required dealership stamp, your options are very limited in New Jersey. Your best chance is to gather any possible proof of purchase and plead your case at the MVC, or seek legal help to pursue the seller.

I'm so sorry about this and I'm sorry you got scammed. You could always call the police as well, asking them if they have any information on this person, including this vehicle, and if you can identify this person, then you can sue them for a refund.

Legal Eagle

I'm very sorry about that. I want to ensure you feel completely satisfied with our conversation.

Were there any details I missed? Did you have any concerns about this issue that still need to be addressed? I'm happy to help.

Legal Eagle

I hear you! I'm sorry if I was unclear. You can't.

Because the seller scammed you in this case and because NJ doesn't have a way to allow you to just transfer it into your name without a bill of sale, and because you didn't buy it from a dealer (which can smooth out the process), the law just generally doesn't let you get it into your name.

The only hail mary way is through a court action where you can hire a lawyer and ask the lawyer for a court order (called declaratory relief) that allows you to get the title in your name, but it's a little complex and would require a local attorney to represent you on this.