Before you sell
- Price the car. Check a few valuation sites and compare similar listings near you, then get one or two instant offers so you know your floor. Our guide to what your car is worth explains the factors.
- Find the title. If it's lost, order a duplicate now, since it can take a while. If a lender holds it, ask for a payoff quote (selling with a loan).
- Gather records. Service receipts help a private sale. They matter less to an instant buyer.
- Decide whether to fix anything. Cheap, obvious fixes like a battery or bulb can help a private sale. Big repairs rarely pay for themselves.
Choosing how to sell
If you want the highest price and have time, sell privately. If you want it done this week, or the car has problems, get an instant offer. Our where to sell guide compares the options in detail.
No obligation.
Getting paid safely
- Take payment before you sign the title or hand over keys.
- For private sales, cash counted at your bank or a bank transfer you can confirm are the safest options.
- Be suspicious of cashier's checks for more than the price, payment-app requests, and buyers who want to ship the car before paying.
- Buyers like Car Emptor pay at pickup, so the car doesn't leave until you've been paid.
Transferring ownership
- Sign the seller section of the title exactly as your name appears. Our title signing guide covers the common mistakes.
- Write in the odometer reading and the sale date.
- Get it notarized if your state requires it.
- Fill out a bill of sale with both names, the VIN, price and date, and keep a copy.
After the sale
Remove your plates if your state keeps them with the owner, cancel or transfer your insurance, and file a release of liability or notice of sale with your DMV. That last step protects you from tickets and tolls the new owner racks up. Full details are in our after-sale checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Can a family member sell me their car for $1?
Yes, a relative can sell or give you a car, but the price you write down doesn't always decide the tax. Some states tax a sale on the purchase price or the car's value, whichever is higher, and some exempt gifts between close family if you file a gift or family transfer form. Check your state's motor vehicle agency before writing $1 on the title.
What not to do when selling a car?
Don't sign the title before you're paid, don't accept overpayment, don't let a buyer test-drive alone without seeing their license, and don't forget to file a release of liability after the sale.
Do I need a bill of sale?
Some states require one for a private sale and others only recommend it, but it's always worth having. A bill of sale records the price, the date, the VIN and both parties' names, which helps if a ticket or a dispute comes up later. Keep a signed copy with your records.
Should I cancel my insurance before selling?
No. Keep it until the car has left your possession, then cancel. In states that have you turn in the plates, such as North Carolina, return them before you cancel the liability insurance.