The checklist
| Document | When you need it |
|---|---|
| Title | Almost always. Order a duplicate if it's lost. |
| Photo ID | Always, to show the name matches the title. |
| Bill of sale | Required in some states and a good idea everywhere. |
| Odometer disclosure | Required for model year 2011 and newer cars until they are 20 years old, usually on the title itself. Model year 2010 and older are exempt (49 CFR 580.17). |
| Lien release or payoff letter | If there's, or was, a loan on the car. |
| Release of liability or notice of sale | Filed by you after the sale in most states. |
| Estate documents | If you're selling a car you inherited. |
| Power of attorney | If you're selling for someone else. |
No obligation.
Selling to Car Emptor
Bring the title and your ID to pickup. If you have a loan, we'll need the lender's payoff information beforehand. If the title is missing, see selling without a title and tell us when you request an offer.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell my car?
It depends on the state, but it's always worth having one. Of the states whose rules we've checked on official pages, Arkansas, Connecticut, Washington, DC, Iowa, Maine, Nebraska, New Jersey and New York require a bill of sale for a private sale. Elsewhere it's optional, but it records the price, date, VIN and both names, which helps if a ticket or a dispute comes up later.
What documents do I need to sell a car with a loan?
- A payoff quote from your lender, with the amount and the date it's good through
- The lender's name, the account number and how they accept payoff
- Your photo ID
- The title, if you hold it; in many states the lender holds it until the loan is paid
The buyer pays the lender directly and you get anything left over. Our page on selling a car with a loan walks through it.
What documents do I need to sell a car for someone who died?
- The title in the deceased owner's name
- A certified death certificate
- Proof you can sign for the estate, such as letters testamentary or letters of administration, or a small-estate affidavit where your state allows one
- Your own photo ID
States differ on which estate papers they accept, so check with your state's motor vehicle agency before pickup. Your state page links to it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the registration to sell my car?
Usually not if you have the title, but it can help in states that let older title-exempt cars sell with a registration.
Do I need a smog or inspection certificate?
Some states require one for certain sales. Buyers who buy cars as-is for parts or resale often don't need it. Check your state's rules.