Universal Title Application (N/a)

There are all sorts of forms executors, beneficiaries, and probate court clerks have to fill out and correspond with during probate and estate settlement, including affidavits, letters, petitions, summons, orders, and notices.

Universal Title Application (N/a) is a commonly used form within New Jersey. Here’s an overview of what the form is and means, including a breakdown of the situations when (or why) you may need to use it:

Atticus Fast Facts About Universal Title Application (N/a)

Sometimes it’s tough to find a quick summary— here’s the important details you should know about Universal Title Application (N/a):

• This form pertains to the State of New Jersey

• The current version of this form was last revised on January 1, 1970

Government forms are not typically updated often, though when they are, it often happens rather quietly. While Atticus works hard to keep this information about New Jersey’s Form Universal Title Application (N/a) up to date, certain details can change from time-to-time with little or no communication.

Step 1 - Download the correct New Jersey form based on the name and ID if applicable

Double check that you have both the correct form name and the correct form ID. Some New Jersey probate forms can look remarkably similar, so it’s best to double, even triple-check that you’re using the right one! Keep in mind that not all States have a standardized Form ID system for their probate forms.

Step 2 - Complete the Document

Fill out all relevant fields in Form Universal Title Application (N/a), take a break, and then review. Probate and estate settlement processes in NJ are long enough to begin with, and making a silly error can push your timeline even farther back. No thank you!

Note: If you don’t currently know all of the answers and are accessing Form Universal Title Application (N/a) online, be sure to avoid closing the browser tab and potentially losing all your progress (or use a platform like Atticus to help avoid making mistakes).

Step 3 - Have Form witnessed or notarized (if required)

Some States and situations require particular forms to be notarized. If you have been instructed to get the document notarized or see it in writing on the document, then make sure to hire a local notary. There are max notary fees in the United States that are defined and set by local law. Take a look at our full guide to notary fees to make sure you aren’t overpaying or getting ripped off.

Step 4 - Submit Universal Title Application (N/a) to the relevant office

This is most often the local probate court where the decedent (person who passed away) is domiciled (permanently resides) or the institution involved with this particular form (e.g. a bank). Some offices allow you to submit forms online, other’s don’t, and we while we generally recommend going in-person to expedite the process, sometimes that simply isn’t an option.

It’s also a generally good idea to establish a positive working relationship with any probate clerk (unfortunately there’s enough people & process out there making things more difficult and unnecessarily confusing for them), so a best practice is to simply ask the probate clerk proactively exactly how and where they’d prefer you to submit all forms.

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Different probate forms or processes can require different deadlines or response times for completing the appropriate form.

While some steps in the process are bound to specific deadlines (like petitioning for probate, having to submit an inventory of assets, or filing applicable notices to creditors and beneficiaries), many probate forms or processes are not tied to a specific deadline since the scope of work can vary based on situational factors or requirements involved.

Either way, there are a bunch of practical reasons why personal representatives should work to complete each step as thoroughly and quickly as possible when completing probate in New Jersey.

5 reasons you should submit this form as quickly as possible:

1. The sooner you begin, the faster New Jersey can allow heirs and beneficiaries to get their share of assets subject to probate. Acting promptly can also decrease the costs & overall mental fatigue through an otherwise burdensome process.
   
   Helpful Context: What’s the Difference Between Probate and Non-Probate Assets?

2. In general, creditors of an estate usually have around 3-6 months from the time you file notice to creditors to file any claims for debt against the deceased’s assets. If they don’t, then that debt is forfeited (and more importantly, the executor won’t be held personally responsible). So doing this sooner means you have a better idea of who is owed what and ensures you won’t get a surprise collector months later.

3. Not filing a will within 30 days (on average) could mean that the probate process proceeds according to intestate laws (laws that govern what happens to someone's stuff without a will) or is subject to unnecessary supervision by the probate court. And if you aren't directly related to the deceased (a.k.a. next of kin), this could also mean you lose your inheritance.

4. It’s important to file any necessary state tax returns on behalf of the deceased or estate by the following tax season in New Jersey. If you don’t, you could owe penalties and interest. This also includes any necessary federal tax returns such as Forms 1040, 1041, or even a Form 706 estate tax return.

5. If a house in the State of New Jersey is left empty (or abandoned) for a while, insurance can get dicey. For example, if the house burns down and no one has been there for a year, an insurance company may get out of paying your claim.

If you’re not using Atticus to get specific forms, deadlines, and timelines for New Jersey probate, then try and stay as organized as possible, pay close attention to the dates mentioned in any correspondence you have with the State’s government officials, call the local New Jersey probate clerk or court for exact answers regarding Form Universal Title Application (N/a), and when in doubt— consult a qualified trust & estates lawyer for that area.

Universal Title Application (N/a) is one of the many probate court forms available for download through Atticus.

It may also be available through some New Jersey probate court sites, such as . In order to access the latest version, be updated with any revisions, and get full instructions on how to complete each form, check out the Atticus Probate & Estate Settlement software or consider hiring a qualified legal expert locally within New Jersey.

While Atticus automatically provides the latest forms, be sure to choose the correct version of Form Universal Title Application (N/a) f using any other site or resource in order to avoid having to re-complete the form process and/or make another trip to the New Jersey probate court office.

Universal Title Application (N/a) is a .pdf, so opening it should be as simple as clicking “View Form” from within the Atticus app or by clicking the appropriate link found on any New Jersey-provided government platform. Once you’ve opened the form, you should be able to directly edit the form before saving or printing.

Here’s the text, verbatim, that is found on New Jersey Form Universal Title Application (N/a). You can use this to get an idea of the context of the form and what type of information is needed.

Universal Title Application Information – Further Instructions on Second Page Use this form to apply for a New Jersey Title. The applicant (the person signing this application) must be the owner, lienholder, or an authorized representative of the owner/lienholder. Submit this completed application and all supporting documents in person to your local New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Agency. All applicants or representatives must submit supporting documents, such as proof of ownership or authorization, and must provide proper identification when submitting this application. •Original Documents: These are required when a release of lien is requested or when a Power of Attorney is used. •Originals or Certified Copies: These are required for court documents, such as divorce decrees and court orders. •Photocopies, Faxes, or Scans: These are acceptable for photo identification (ID) Step 1 – Title Transaction Type Initial NJ Title (New Owner)Duplicate Title  Replacement/Corrected Title  Vessel Title  Add Lien  Remove Lien Step 2 – Vehicle Information Vessel Information Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Hull Identification Number (HIN) NJ License Plate Number Year Make Fuel Type Year Make Model Length (in feet) Hull Material Color Weight Body Type No. of Axles Boat Type Correction Needed on Vehicle Title (if applicable) Correction Needed on Vessel Title (if applicable) Odometer Information Check Only if One of These Applies Odometer Reading (at time of purchase): ______________________  (N) – Not actual mileage  (M) – Mileage has exceeded mechanical limitations Step 3 – Vehicle/Vessel Owner Information Owner Full Name or Entity Name Telephone Number Driver License or MVC Business Entity Identification Number Address City/Town State Zip Code Co-Owner First Name (if applicable) Co-Owner Last Name (if applicable) Co-Owner Driver License Number (if applicable) Step 4 – Changing Lienholder Information? (Complete ONLY if Adding or Removing a Lien on Vehicle/Vessel) Lienholder Name Driver License or MVC Business Entity Identification Number Telephone Number Lienholder Address City/Town State Zip Code Step 5 – Representative Information (Complete ONLY if Representative is NOT the Current Owner or Lienholder) First Name Last Name Telephone Number Address City/Town State Zip Code Step 6 – Duplicate Titles (Check All That Apply and Attach Required Documents/Proof of Ownership or Lienholder) For an Individual Valid Photo Identification NJ Registration or Insurance Card (Current or Expired) Lien Release Letter (if applicable) For a Business Entity Valid Photo Identification NJ Registration or Insurance Card (Current or Expired) Power of Attorney and/or Letter of Authorizati on from Entity (Both Must Be Notarized and Original) For a Lienholder Valid Photo Identification Loan Contract or Lease Agreement Lien Release Letter (if applicable) Power of Attorney and/or Letter of Authorization from Entity (Both Must Be Notarized and Original) Step 7 – Recipient Information (For Mail In Applications ONLY – Initial Titles Excluded) Method of Return – YOU MUST INCLUDE A PREPAID RETURN AIR BILL WITH YOUR APPLICATION WHEN US MAIL IS NOT SELECTED* Mailing Address City/Town State Zip Code US MailFederal ExpressUPSOther Step 8 – Certification and Signature(s) I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the above statements made by me are true. I am aware that if any of the above statements made by me are willfully false, I am subject to civil, criminal, and administrative penalties. _______________________________________ ______________________________________ _____________________________ Signature of Representative, Owner, or Lienholder Signature of Co-Owner (if applicable) Date Motor Vehicle Commission Use Only: Clerk Initials: NMVTIS Checked: Check Number and Amount: Transaction Number Tracking Number: OS/SS-UTA (R8/23) Propulsion Type Universal Title Application Step 1 – Title Transaction Type Initial Title: Applications must include this form and a completed out-of-s tate title. In-state title transfers only require the submission of the previous NJ title. Photo Identification is required when completing this transaction and must be processed in person only at an MVC agency. Duplicate Title: Duplicate titles are issued if the current New Jersey title has been lost or stolen. Replacement/Corrected Titles: Replacement titles are issued when a New Jersey title is being surrendered in order to obtain a new title due to the surrendered title being damaged or filled out incorrectly. Corrected titles are issued when a New Jersey title is being surrendered in order to obtain a new title with corrected information. Correction examples may include, but are not limited to: VIN correction, mileage branding, vehicle color, and hull material. Replacement title transactions are also often used when trying to remove a lien from a title. To do so, the original title must be signed and dated by an authorized representative of the lienholder. If applying on behalf of a business entity, you must be an authorized representative. Additionally, you must provide one of the following, showing proof that the lien has been satisfied: •A signed and dated lien release letter from the lienholder that includes the company name, address, and phone number, as well as the year, make, model, and VIN number of the vehicle. •A motor vehicle dealer wire transfer statement with a transaction number. •A paid loan statement or agreement with the matching VIN number. Vessel Title: Vessels are boats or watercraft, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water. Applications should be used to establish ownership. Vessels shorter than 12 feet are not titled and are only required to be registered. Add/Remove Lien: Check this box in addition to another selected title type if you are adding or removing a lienholder to your title. The New Jersey title fee is $60. It is an additional $25 to add a lien. If mailing an application, fees must be paid in the form of a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order payable to NJMVC. Do not mail cash. Credit cards or cash will only be accepted in-person at an MVC Agency. Step 2 – Vehicle/Vessel Information The information provided must match your signed and executed title document or the current New Jersey record. For Vehicles: •Body type options – 2-Door, 4-Door, Pick-up Truck, Truck, Van, Wagon (SUV), Motorcycle, Trailer, Convertible, or Tractor. •Federal Law requires that you state the mileage upon transfer of ownership. Failure to complete this statement, or providing false information, may result in fines and/or imprisonment. When writing in the odometer reading, you are certifying that the number reflects the actual mileage of the vehicle unless one of the following is checked: o(N) – Not actual mileage o(M) – Mileage has exceeded mechanical limitations •Correction examples may include, but are not limited to: VIN correction, mileage branding, vehicle color, hull material, odometer reading. For Vessels: •Fuel type options – Gasoline, Diesel, or Other. •Propulsion type options – Outboard, Inboard, I/O, Electric, Non-powered, or Other. Step 3 – Vehicle/Vessel Owner Information The information provided must match your signed and executed title document or the current New Jersey record. Step 4 – Changing Lienholder Information The New Jersey title fee is $60. It is an additional $25 to add a lien. To complete this transaction, the original title must accompany this application. If the current owner(s) of the vehicle or vessel has a lien (loan or financing) of any kind on the vehicle or vessel, even if it has been paid off, the MVC’s records will still show the lien. The current owner(s) must fill out and apply to have the lien removed and/or obtain a new title, without the lien, from the MVC after payoff. An original, signed lien release on the lienholder’s letterhead is required to remove a lien. Step 5 – Representative Information Complete this section only if you are applying for a title on behalf of the current owner or lienholder. In order to conduct a transaction, the representative must obtain an original, signed, Letter of Authorization. Representatives processing work on behalf of the current owner or lienholder may not sign any documentation. If signatures are required, the representative must obtain an original, signed, and notarized Power of Attorney. Step 6 – Duplicate Titles Individual(s) Applying: If a vehicle is in the name of an individual, the owner must sign this application and provide proof of ownership and their government issued photo ID. Proof of ownership includes: vehicle registration, insurance card or declaration page, bill of sale, an NJMVC certified record, or proof of final loan payment. If the vehicle is in the name of more than one individual, either owner may sign this application, and that owner must provide a copy of their government issued photo ID. If processing this transaction on behalf of the individual(s), an original, signed, Letter of Authorization is required. Business Entity Applying: If the vehicle is in the name of an entity, a representative must sign the application. The representative must provide notarized letter of signature authority on company letterhead, and a copy of the representative’s valid photo ID. Lienholder Applying: If the vehicle has a recorded lien, the lienholder (or representative of the lienholder) may apply for a New Jersey title and sign the application. If the lienholder is an individual, they must include a copy of their valid photo ID. If the lienholder is an entity, they must include a notarized letter of signature authority on company letterhead, connecting the signing representative to the entity (copies are acceptable), and a copy of the representative’s photo ID. Using Power(s) of Attorney: If a Power of Attorney (POA) is used, the above requirements apply for both the individual or the entity granting the POA and the individual or the entity being granted POA. For an individual, whether granting or being granted POA, a copy of photo ID is required. For an entity, whether granting or being granted POA, both a copy of the representative’s photo ID and a notarized letter of signature authority on company letterhead, connecting the signing representative to the entity, are required. Step 7 – Mail in Applications (Not for Initial Title Applications) Mail this application, fee, copy of ID(s), and supporting documentation to: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission 225 East State Street MOS Special Services, PO Box 150 Trenton, NJ 08666-0017 •Mailed applications may take up to 10 weeks to process, plus mailing time. •Original documentation submitted with the application will be returned to the person/entity receiving the title. Step 8 – Certification and Signature(s) Original signature(s) are required on this application in blue or black ink ONLY. OS/SS-UTA (R8/23)