NJ Form OS/SS-61A: Junk Certificate of Title Guide

NJ Form OS/SS-61A: Junk Certificate of Title Guide – If you need to title a vehicle in New Jersey that is no longer repairable or safe to operate, the official document you will use is Form OS/SS-61A – Application for Junk Certificate of Title. Issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC), this form allows eligible parties to obtain a junk title for vehicles that have been declared beyond economical repair.

A junk certificate of title (often called a “junk title”) brands the vehicle so it cannot be retitled for road use in New Jersey. This process is commonly used by insurance companies, salvage processors, repair facilities, and public agencies dealing with severely damaged, abandoned, or total-loss vehicles.

This guide explains what Form OS/SS-61A is, who needs it, required information, fees, submission steps, and where to download the official PDF — all based on current NJ MVC resources.

What Is New Jersey Form OS/SS-61A?

Form OS/SS-61A is the official NJ MVC application used to request a Junk Certificate of Title. According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission forms page, it falls under the Salvage Vehicles category alongside related documents such as OS/SS-61 (Salvage Certificate of Title) and OS/SS-37A.

The form is designed for situations where a motor vehicle is determined to be incapable of being operated safely or restored to safe operational condition except at a cost exceeding its value. Once issued, the junk title is printed on distinctive brown paper and carries a permanent “JUNK” brand, preventing the vehicle from being registered for highway use.

Official form revision: OS/SS-61A (R7/19). Always use the latest version available from the NJ MVC website.

Who Needs to File Form OS/SS-61A?

Typical applicants include:

Insurance companies settling total-loss claims
Salvage processors authorized by insurers
Licensed motor vehicle repair facilities holding abandoned or unclaimed vehicles
Public agencies handling abandoned vehicles on public property
Owners or authorized representatives of vehicles that are beyond repair due to fire, collision, flood, or other severe damage

Under New Jersey law (including N.J.S.A. 39:10A-12 and related administrative codes), certain parties must provide notice to the owner and any lienholders before applying for a junk title. Failure to follow notice requirements can result in denial of the application.

Key Information Required on Form OS/SS-61A

The form collects essential vehicle and ownership details. Sections include:

Vehicle Information: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), year, make, model, body type, color, and actual present true mileage (odometer reading including tenths)
Owner Information: Full name, street address, city, state, ZIP code, and New Jersey driver license number (or business corpcode if applicable)
Co-Owner Information (if any): Same details as owner
Lienholder Information (if applicable): Lienholder name, address, and 15-digit corpcode
Statement of Acquisition and Loss: Description of how the vehicle was acquired and the type of loss suffered (e.g., fire, collision, flood, theft, etc.)
Certification and Signatures: Owner and co-owner signatures with dates, affirming the information is true and that the VIN on the application matches the vehicle
Sales Tax Stamp Area: Space to affix the required sales tax stamp, exemption code, and Sales Tax ID number when applicable

Important note printed on the form: “When applicable, the original certificate of title must accompany this application for the issuance of a New Jersey junk title.”

Fee for a New Jersey Junk Certificate of Title

The title fee for Form OS/SS-61A is $2.00. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to “NJMVC.” Cash is not accepted for mail-in applications.

This is significantly lower than the standard $60 title fee or the $60 salvage title fee. Always confirm the current fee on the official NJ MVC website before submitting, as fees can be updated.

How to Complete and Submit Form OS/SS-61A?

Download the official form from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website (link provided below).
Fill out all required fields accurately. Incomplete or incorrect information is a common reason for rejection.
Attach the original New Jersey certificate of title when applicable.
Include any required supporting documents (e.g., notarized release statements, lien search results, proof of notice to owners/lienholders, insurance documentation, or affidavits depending on your specific situation).
Affix the sales tax stamp and complete related fields if required for your transaction type.
Sign and date the form.
Enclose a check or money order for $2.00 payable to NJMVC.
Mail the complete package to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
P.O. Box 017
Trenton, NJ 08666-0017

Some related salvage and ownership transactions are processed by mail only through the Special Title Unit. For questions, contact the Special Title Unit at 609-777-1664 or refer to procedure documents such as OS/SS-37A for salvage processor applications.

Download the Official Form OS/SS-61A

Always download the form directly from the official New Jersey government source to ensure you have the current version:

Download New Jersey Form OS/SS-61A – Application for Junk Certificate of Title (PDF)

You can also access it via the main NJ MVC Forms page under the “Salvage vehicles” section:

NJ MVC Official Forms Page

Related NJ MVC Forms and Resources

Important Tips for a Successful Application

Double-check the VIN against the physical vehicle before signing.
Ensure all required notices to owners and lienholders have been properly sent and documented if your situation requires them.
Keep copies of everything you submit.
Mail processing can take several weeks. Plan accordingly.
Junk titles cannot be converted back to regular titles for road use. The vehicle is intended for parts, scrap, or non-highway purposes only.

For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, always refer to official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission publications and contact the Special Title Unit if your situation involves complex ownership, liens, or abandoned vehicle procedures.