NJ Form OS-55: Notice of Seizure of Motor Vehicle Guide – New Jersey Form OS-55, officially titled the Notice of Seizure of Motor Vehicle (also referenced as OS/SS-55), is a required filing with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). It notifies the MVC when a motor vehicle has been seized, levied upon, or taken into possession under judicial process or statutory authority. This form plays a key role in protecting title records, enabling subsequent sale or transfer, and complying with state law under N.J.S.A. 39:10-15.
Whether you are a lienholder handling a repossession, a court officer executing a writ, or an attorney managing a judgment levy, understanding Form OS-55 is essential for anyone dealing with seized vehicles in New Jersey. This guide covers the purpose of the form, who must file it, step-by-step instructions, related documents, and official submission requirements based on current New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission guidance.
What Is New Jersey Form OS-55?
Form OS-55 is the official written notice that must be filed immediately with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission by the person or officer who seizes or levies upon a motor vehicle. The form records critical details including the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, model, license plate, odometer reading, current location, and information about the titled owner and any lienholder.
Under N.J.S.A. 39:10-15, when a vehicle is seized, levied upon, or attached by judicial process or statute, the seizing party must promptly file this notice. The statute also requires the person from whom the vehicle was taken to surrender title papers upon demand from the MVC.
The form is commonly used in two main situations:
- Repossession by a lienholder after default on a security agreement (financed or leased vehicles)
- Court-ordered seizures or levies under a Writ of Execution
The current revision of the form is OS/SS-55 (R8/15). An official PDF is available directly from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
Download the official Form OS-55 here: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/about/OS_SS-55.pdf
When Is Form OS-55 Required?
You must complete and file Form OS-55 immediately upon seizure or levy of a motor vehicle in New Jersey. Common scenarios include:
- Repossession for default — When a vehicle owner fails to make payments under a security agreement, the lienholder may seize the vehicle and must file the notice with the MVC.
- Writ of Execution — Special Civil Part Officers or other court officers levying on a vehicle to satisfy a judgment must file the form. Effective August 1, 2014, courts submitting a Writ of Execution with the Notice of Seizure must send it electronically.
- Other statutory or judicial seizures — Any seizure under state or federal authority that takes the vehicle into possession (actual or constructive).
Failure to file promptly can delay title processing, repossession sales, or the ability to obtain a new certificate of ownership.
How to Complete New Jersey Form OS-55?
The form is a single-page document. Accurate and complete information is required. Key sections include:
- Seizure details — Indicate whether you levied upon or seized and took possession of the vehicle. Enter the date of seizure and the authority (for example, Writ of Execution or security agreement default).
- Owner and lienholder information — Full name of the titled owner, driver license number or corporate code, street address, city, state, and ZIP. Include lienholder name and address if applicable.
- Vehicle description — Complete VIN, year, make, model, vehicle type, license plate number, and odometer reading (whole numbers only, no tenths).
- Present location of the vehicle — Street address, city, and state. Indicate whether you are in physical possession of the vehicle (Yes or No).
- NCIC check — Note whether the vehicle appears in the National Crime Information Center database.
- Plaintiff and writ information — County of writ, docket number, lawyer/firm name, address, and phone number (especially important for court-related seizures).
- Certification — The person making the seizure must sign, print their name, title, phone number, and address, and date the notice. By signing, they certify the information is correct and agree to return any related execution or foreclosure form if the sale does not proceed.
Always double-check the VIN and owner details against title records to avoid processing delays.
Submission Requirements and Mailing Address
File Form OS-55 immediately after seizure. For standard repossessions, mail the completed form to:
Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Title/Repossession Unit
225 E. State Street
P.O. Box 017
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0017
For Writs of Execution, courts must submit the form electronically to [email protected].
Contact the MVC Title Records Unit at 609-292-8696 or the same email address for assistance or to request a forms packet by mail or email. Note that original paperwork and any required fees must still be submitted by mail.
Related Forms for Repossession and Sale
Form OS-55 is typically used together with other MVC documents when handling a repossessed vehicle:
- OS/SS-99 — Instructions for Default of Security Agreement. This one-page guide outlines the full process.
- OS/SS-57 — Application for Repossession Certificate of Ownership. This is completed after the sale.
The standard repossession process is:
- Seize the vehicle and immediately file Form OS-55.
- Notify the owner/debtor by mail of the intended sale, allowing a reasonable time to redeem (approximately 10–14 days). Keep a copy of this notice.
- After the redemption period expires, conduct a public or private sale.
- Submit Form OS/SS-57 along with the original certificate of ownership (or apply for a duplicate if lost), a copy of the notice of sale, and any other required documents and fees.
If the original title is lost, the lienholder may apply for a duplicate title. All repossession-related documents and the duplicate title application can often be submitted together in one package for simultaneous processing.
Official related forms and instructions are available on the New Jersey MVC Repossessed Vehicles page and the MVC Forms page.
Legal Basis and Importance of Compliance
New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 39:10-15 establishes the legal framework. The officer or person seizing the vehicle must file a written notice with a full description of the vehicle and the name and address of the person from whom it was taken, attaching a copy of the process or authority. After sale, the selling officer provides the purchaser with an application for certificate of ownership that includes required supporting documents.
Proper use of Form OS-55 helps ensure the MVC’s title records accurately reflect the seizure, protects the rights of all parties, and allows the eventual purchaser to obtain clear title. Incomplete or delayed filings can result in processing delays or additional requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form OS-55
Is Form OS-55 the same as OS/SS-55?
Yes. The form is commonly referred to as both OS-55 and OS/SS-55. The current revision is OS/SS-55 (R8/15).
Do I need to file the form for constructive possession?
Yes. The statute covers both actual and constructive possession.
What happens if the sale does not take place?
You must return the execution or foreclosure application form (if issued) to the MVC for cancellation.
Where can I get help?
Contact the MVC Title Records Unit at 609-292-8696 or email [email protected].
Download New Jersey Form OS-55
Obtain the official, current version of the Notice of Seizure of Motor Vehicle directly from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission:
Always use the official MVC version to ensure compliance with current requirements. For the most up-to-date instructions on repossessed vehicles, visit the official NJ MVC Repossessed Vehicles page.
This information is provided for general guidance based on publicly available New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission resources and New Jersey statutes. Requirements can change. For specific situations, consult the MVC directly or seek legal advice.