When a motor vehicle is scrapped, junked or destroyed, or a person permanently parts with its possession other than by sale, he shall immediately surrender and deliver the certificate of ownership to the commissioner, who shall issue a receipt therefor to the person surrendering it. When a motor vehicle is sold to be scrapped, junked or destroyed, assignment shall be made to the purchaser in accordance with the provisions of section 39:10-8 of this Title. The purchaser shall within five days deliver the certificate of ownership to the commissioner, who shall issue a receipt therefor to the person surrendering it.
N.J.S. § 39:10-23