NJ Launches Online Title System For Used Car Buyers

NEW JERSEY — Vehicle owners in the Garden State will soon have to make one less trip to the DMV after paying off their cars.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission last week announced it was officially launching an electronic lien and title system after successfully implementing a pilot program in January.

The new system will allow residents who finance vehicles in New Jersey to exchange lien and title information electronically and eliminates the need for the manual processing and maintenance of paper titles.

"The system has huge advantages when it comes to processing liens and titles," NJMVC Acting Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd said in a statement. "It’s a win all around — and a big step forward in our continued efforts to modernize and improve the commission."

Implementing an electronic lien and title system carries several benefits, officials said. Eliminating paper records allows for quicker processing and reduces the risk of fraud. It also saves time for buyers, sellers and banks.

Lenders can also use the system to confirm lien transactions, make any corrections, or release liens once a loan is paid off, officials said.

The program also sets the stage for titling and registration of privately sold used vehicles to be done online.

"The new ELT system will serve as a base platform for the future digitization of the NJMVC’s titling and registration systems" agency spokesperson William Connolly told NJ Advance Media. "Registering and transferring the title of a vehicle purchased during a private sale are currently transactions that must be completed at an agency appointment."

For more information on the program, visit NJMVC.gov.