Notify the NJ MVC of License Plate Status

Yes, you need to alert the New Jersey MVC, but not specifically because it's a car donation. You only have to notify the MVC regarding the status of the donated car's license plates.

After going through the donate car process and handing over the car title to the charity of your choice (see instructions below) and removing the vehicle's plates you must decide whether to transfer the plates to another car owned by you, or to surrender them to the MVC.

If you transfer the license plates you'll then have to go through the registration process, filing proper documents and paying proper fees. Or, if you plan to surrender the plates you can do so by dropping them off at any MVC office or regional service center, or by mailing them to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Commission
Trenton Regional Service center
P.O. Box 125
Trenton, NJ 08666-0125

After turning in your plates the MVC will give you a receipt confirming license plate cancellation. You can then legally cancel the vehicle's liability insurance. Do not cancel before surrendering the plates.

Donate a Car and Transfer the Title

A title transfer for a vehicle donation is similar, if not identical, to selling a used car. You're the seller and the charity of your choice is the buyer. After agreeing to transfer you must sign-off on the title by adding the following information:

• The charity's name and address.
• The date of "sale."
• An odometer reading.
• The sale price. Check with the MVC on what to write. You may be instructed to write the word "Gift," "Donation" or "Zero."
• Your signature.

Once the title has been handed over, you are finished with the title. You do not have to notify the MVC other than on the vehicle's license plate status.

If you have any questions regarding how to handle the titles, registrations, or license plates of used cars that will become charity car donations, contact your local NJ MVC office.