New Jersey Form OS/SS-57 Repossession Certificate Guide – If you are a lienholder, financial institution, or secured party dealing with a repossessed vehicle in New Jersey, Form OS/SS-57 is the official document you need. Issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), this form allows you to apply for a Repossession Certificate of Ownership after a vehicle has been repossessed due to default on a loan or lease. This guide explains everything U.S. residents and businesses need to know about the form, requirements, fees, and filing process based on current New Jersey MVC rules.
What Is New Jersey Form OS/SS-57?
Form OS/SS-57 is the official “Application for Repossession Certificate of Ownership” used in New Jersey. It serves as both an application and a certification that the repossessed vehicle was disposed of in compliance with Article 9 of the New Jersey Uniform Commercial Code.
Lienholders use this form after repossessing a vehicle when the owner (debtor) defaults on a security agreement. Once approved, the MVC issues a new certificate of ownership, allowing the secured party or buyer to take clear title.
You can download the current official form directly from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission:
Download New Jersey Form OS/SS-57 (PDF)
When Do You Need Form OS/SS-57?
You need Form OS/SS-57 in these common situations:
- A lender or finance company repossesses a vehicle after the borrower defaults on payments.
- The secured party plans to sell the vehicle at public or private sale and transfer title.
- The lienholder itself wants to take title to the repossessed vehicle.
- A New Jersey dealer purchases a repossessed vehicle at auction and needs to title it in the state.
According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, any request to title or sell a repossessed vehicle in New Jersey must be accompanied by a certificate of title under N.J.S.A. 39:10-15.
Related Forms You Must Also Use
Form OS/SS-57 is part of a package. The MVC requires these companion documents:
- Form OS/SS-99 – Instructions for Default of Security Agreement (step-by-step guide)
- Form OS/SS-55 – Notice of Seizure of Motor Vehicle (must be filed immediately after repossession)
All three forms are available on the official NJ MVC Forms page and the Repossessed Vehicles page.
Step-by-Step Process for Repossession Title in New Jersey
Follow these official steps from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission:
- Seize the vehicle and immediately complete and mail Form OS/SS-55 (Notice of Seizure of Motor Vehicle) to the MVC.
- Notify the owner/debtor by mail of the planned sale. Give a reasonable redemption period (typically 10–14 days). Keep a copy of the Notice of Sale.
- Hold the public or private sale after the redemption period expires.
- Complete Form OS/SS-57 at the time of sale.
- Gather all required documents and mail them together with the fee.
Required Documents to Submit with Form OS/SS-57
When mailing your application, include the following:
- Completed and signed Form OS/SS-57
- Original certificate of ownership (or apply for a duplicate title if it is lost)
- Power of Attorney or notarized letter on lienholder letterhead authorizing the signer
- Photocopy of the original security agreement showing year, make, VIN, owner/debtor name, and signature
- Copy of the Notice of Sale sent to the owner/debtor
- Bill of Sale from the auction (if applicable)
- Dealer tax stamp (required for New Jersey licensed dealers)
- Check or money order for the correct fee
All paperwork must arrive at the MVC within 10 days of the date of sale to avoid a $25 penalty.
Fees for Form OS/SS-57
Current fees (subject to change — always verify with the MVC):
- $60 title fee (standard)
- $85 if a new lien is being recorded
- Additional $25 penalty if documents are received more than 10 days after the sale
- Separate $60 fee if a duplicate title is also needed
- Sales/use tax (if applicable) — New Jersey residents must complete the tax section on the form. Lienholders may use exemption code 3D.
Make checks or money orders payable to “NJMVC.” Cash is not accepted. New Jersey licensed dealers must also include a $10 dealer check in some cases.
Where to Mail Form OS/SS-57
Mail all original documents and fees only to:
NJ Motor Vehicle Commission
Repossession Unit
225 E. State Street
P.O. Box 017
Trenton, NJ 08666-0017
Do not submit in person. The MVC processes repossession packages by mail only. You may request a packet by phone or email, but original paperwork and payment must still be mailed.
Contact the Title Records Unit at 609-292-8696 or email [email protected] with questions.
Important Notes for Out-of-State Parties
New Jersey does not issue titles to out-of-state residents, dealers, or lienholders unless the repossessed vehicle is physically located in New Jersey. Out-of-state parties should present repossession paperwork to their home state’s motor vehicle agency.
Tips for Successful Filing
- Double-check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches exactly on every document.
- Ensure the security agreement copy clearly shows the debtor’s signature and vehicle details.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Submit the duplicate title application in the same package if the original title is missing — the MVC will process both transactions together.
- Dealers must apply the completed “Tax Satisfied” stamp on Form OS/SS-57.
Download the Official Form
Always use the most current version of the form directly from the New Jersey government website:
Download Form OS/SS-57 – Application for Repossession Certificate of Ownership (PDF)
For complete instructions, also download:
- Form OS/SS-99 – Instructions for Default of Security Agreement
- Form OS/SS-55 – Notice of Seizure of Motor Vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get the new title?
Processing times vary. Contact the Title Records Unit for current estimates after your package is received.
Can I file Form OS/SS-57 online?
No. The New Jersey MVC requires original documents and payment by mail only for repossession titles.
What if the original title is lost?
Apply for a duplicate title at the same time. Include a separate $60 check and the required supporting documents. The MVC will process both requests together.
Is sales tax required?
Yes for New Jersey residents and dealers in most cases. Complete the tax section on Form OS/SS-57. Lienholders taking title may claim exemption code 3D.