Buying A Used Car From A Private Seller In Wyoming
When buying a used vehicle from a private seller in Wyoming, the following car-buying tips will help you to get the transaction done.
For those who want to get the best used car for their budget while staying safe, this article will help you navigate the Wyoming car-buying process.
Oh, and, by the way: PrivateAuto has private-party used cars for sale in Wyoming and also provides an end-to-end platform to get the deal done, from secure messaging with sellers to instantaneous payment transfers.
Oh, and, by the way: PrivateAuto has private-party used cars for sale in Wyoming and also provides an end-to-end platform to get the deal done, from secure messaging with sellers to instantaneous payment transfers.
What is the Process of Buying a Used Car in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, you’ll go through the following sequence to purchase a vehicle from a private party.
Let’s take a closer look at the process.
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Find a seller who has the vehicle you want
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Agree on a price
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Schedule a test drive
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Take care of the paperwork
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Pay the seller
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Have the seller sign over the car title
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Register the car in your name and pay sales taxes and fees
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Get new license plates
Let’s take a closer look at the process.
Find a Car You Like
You’re better off purchasing from a private seller than from a Wyoming used car dealer. Dealerships will always buy low and sell high to make a profit. It's better to cut out the middleman.
PrivateAuto has a wide selection of used cars for sale in Teton County, Rock Springs, Jackson Laramie, and elsewhere across the state of Wyoming, and we have security and convenience benefits that none of our competitors have. For instance, we verify the identity of all sellers, so you know who you’re negotiating with at all times. You can browse used vehicle listings and make offers within the app, and when the seller accepts your offer, you can proceed to schedule the test drive. It all happens within the app and you never have to give out your personal info to a stranger.
PrivateAuto has a wide selection of used cars for sale in Teton County, Rock Springs, Jackson Laramie, and elsewhere across the state of Wyoming, and we have security and convenience benefits that none of our competitors have. For instance, we verify the identity of all sellers, so you know who you’re negotiating with at all times. You can browse used vehicle listings and make offers within the app, and when the seller accepts your offer, you can proceed to schedule the test drive. It all happens within the app and you never have to give out your personal info to a stranger.
Go For a Test Drive
Once you found a used car for sale near you and settled on a purchase price, it’s time to take the car for a test drive.
Schedule a Meetup
Other used vehicle marketplaces leave you to organize a meetup with the seller by exchanging personal info and having a lot of back-and-forth. With PrivateAuto, your personal info is kept private. Our handy in-app scheduler lets the two of you arrange the perfect time and place while being safe.
Research the Vehicle History
It’s always recommended, along with taking a used car for a test drive, to research its history. You can get a detailed history report through a service like CarFax. Or, you can get a car history report when you buy it through PrivateAuto.
AutoCheck now partners with PrivateAuto to provide buyers with a motor vehicle information check and report. When PrivateAuto sellers choose a Premium listing, we include the vehicle history report for your peace of mind.
A vehicle history report can show you:
AutoCheck now partners with PrivateAuto to provide buyers with a motor vehicle information check and report. When PrivateAuto sellers choose a Premium listing, we include the vehicle history report for your peace of mind.
A vehicle history report can show you:
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Title liens
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Odometer discrepancies
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Fire or flood damage
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Maintenance records
Optional Mechanical Inspection
Before purchasing the car, you may want to conduct a mechanical inspection on it. This is at your discretion, and is more advisable for cars that have a higher-mileage. Depending on your level of mechanical savvy, you can inspect it yourself at the time of your test drive. Or, you can coordinate with the seller to have it inspected by a qualified Wyoming mechanic.
We give you all the tools and technology necessary to close the deal at the test drive meeting. If you are going for a professional vehicle inspection, you’ll be adding at least a couple extra days onto the closing process.
We give you all the tools and technology necessary to close the deal at the test drive meeting. If you are going for a professional vehicle inspection, you’ll be adding at least a couple extra days onto the closing process.
Optional Mechanical Inspection
Before purchasing the car, you may want to conduct a mechanical inspection on it. This is at your discretion, and is more advisable for cars that have a higher-mileage. Depending on your level of mechanical savvy, you can inspect it yourself at the time of your test drive. Or, you can coordinate with the seller to have it inspected by a qualified Wyoming mechanic.
We give you all the tools and technology necessary to close the deal at the test drive meeting. If you are going for a professional vehicle inspection, you’ll be adding at least a couple extra days onto the closing process.
We give you all the tools and technology necessary to close the deal at the test drive meeting. If you are going for a professional vehicle inspection, you’ll be adding at least a couple extra days onto the closing process.
Gather All the Required Paperwork
Paperwork is a crucial part of the transaction process. Different states have different paperwork requirements, but here are the most common paperwork involved in a used car transaction.
Vehicle Title
You and the seller will fill out the Certificate of Title thoroughly. Required information includes the following:
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Name
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Address
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Signature (completed after payment)
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An odometer disclosure statement (for vehicles less than 10 years old)
Odometer Disclosure
When you purchase a vehicle that’s less than 10 years old, Federal law requires the seller to complete the odometer reading statement (also called an odometer disclosure) on the back of the title.
Complete the Federal Odometer Disclosure Statement if there’s no room on the title.
You can verify the accuracy of the odometer readings the seller enters on the title by looking at the odometer yourself. Note that there are severe penalties for sellers tampering with vehicle odometers in order to provide inaccurate readings.
The PrivateAuto app includes an odometer reading entry, where both parties confirm mileage before taking the next step.
Complete the Federal Odometer Disclosure Statement if there’s no room on the title.
You can verify the accuracy of the odometer readings the seller enters on the title by looking at the odometer yourself. Note that there are severe penalties for sellers tampering with vehicle odometers in order to provide inaccurate readings.
The PrivateAuto app includes an odometer reading entry, where both parties confirm mileage before taking the next step.
Wyoming Bill of Sale
In Wyoming, a notarized bill of sale is required, if purchasing a car from a private seller.
Luckily for you, PrivateAuto includes a Wyoming bill of sale as part of our standard in-app transaction process. At the appropriate phase in the transaction, both buyer and seller will be prompted to e-sign the bill of sale within their mobile PrivateAuto app.
The entire transaction, including the bill of sale, can be completed in minutes when you meet for the test drive and approve of the vehicle. It’s so fast and convenient you won’t believe it. And then, you’ll always have the electronic bill of sale accessible in your PrivateAuto account to prove that the transaction was legitimate.
Luckily for you, PrivateAuto includes a Wyoming bill of sale as part of our standard in-app transaction process. At the appropriate phase in the transaction, both buyer and seller will be prompted to e-sign the bill of sale within their mobile PrivateAuto app.
The entire transaction, including the bill of sale, can be completed in minutes when you meet for the test drive and approve of the vehicle. It’s so fast and convenient you won’t believe it. And then, you’ll always have the electronic bill of sale accessible in your PrivateAuto account to prove that the transaction was legitimate.
Vehicle Identification Verification
As a buyer, check the vehicle identification number that the seller has written on the title. Compare it carefully to the actual VIN on the vehicle. You want to avoid the problem of having an incorrect vehicle identification number on the title when you go to register your newly-bought car with the State of Wyoming.
You can opt to check the VIN yourself, or get a professional VIN inspection done (which may delay getting the deal done).
In the State of Wyoming, official VIN inspection can be conducted by:
The VIN inspection fee is $10.
The PrivateAuto app has a VIN field where buyers and sellers individually confirm the VIN. This helps eliminate errors (or the rare case of outright seller fraud).
You can opt to check the VIN yourself, or get a professional VIN inspection done (which may delay getting the deal done).
In the State of Wyoming, official VIN inspection can be conducted by:
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Law enforcement officer
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State DOT personal
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The PrivateAuto app has a VIN field where buyers and sellers individually confirm the VIN. This helps eliminate errors (or the rare case of outright seller fraud).
Send Money to the Seller
It’s time for you to pay the seller for the car. There haven’t been a lot of good ways to send large sums of money in a private car transaction—until PrivateAuto arrived on the scene.
Introducing PrivateAuto Pay
Our integrated banking gateway, PrivateAuto Pay, allows you to instantaneously send any amount of money. The seller will get the funds in a matter of seconds, whether it's a national holiday or the middle of the night. We charge no payment processing fee. It’s truly revolutionary.
So, if you don’t like the idea of carrying a briefcase full of cash or waiting for a check to clear, you’ll love PrivateAuto Pay.
So, if you don’t like the idea of carrying a briefcase full of cash or waiting for a check to clear, you’ll love PrivateAuto Pay.
Easy Financing Options
Oh, and if you didn't want to pay out-of-pocket for your next car, you can apply for a used vehicle loan right within the PrivateAuto app. When approved, your profile will show that you have verified funds, making you stand out from other buyers.
When closing the deal and sending payment, our lending partner will pay the seller in full. You'll make monthly car payments to the lender. It's that easy. Wondering how much your payments will be? Our handy auto loan calculator will tell you.
When closing the deal and sending payment, our lending partner will pay the seller in full. You'll make monthly car payments to the lender. It's that easy. Wondering how much your payments will be? Our handy auto loan calculator will tell you.
Transfer the Title
The key component of the entire transaction is transferring a Wyoming car title from seller to buyer. When the seller signs the title and hands it to you, the vehicle is legally yours. There are still some steps remaining for you to take following the title transfer, but you now own the car.
To transfer Wyoming vehicle titles successfully, sellers must complete the Transfer of Title by Seller section on the front of the title certificate and include the name and address of the buyer, odometer information, the selling price, and the date sold.
If the owner has an out-of-state title, and you wish to transfer it to Wyoming, you will need to fill out a VIN/HIN inspection form.
To transfer Wyoming vehicle titles successfully, sellers must complete the Transfer of Title by Seller section on the front of the title certificate and include the name and address of the buyer, odometer information, the selling price, and the date sold.
If the owner has an out-of-state title, and you wish to transfer it to Wyoming, you will need to fill out a VIN/HIN inspection form.
When Multiple Owners are Listed on the Title
If there is more than one seller listed on the title, both sellers need to sign the document in order for the transfer of title to be legitimate.
Should You Conduct Title Research?
Before meeting up with the seller, it’s always safe to do preliminary research on the car title.
Any Wyoming county clerk will recommend using the National Insurance Crime Bureau website to research the title of a potential used car purchase to protect yourself from fraud. Even though it's rare, sometimes the seller will attempt to mislead or outright deceive. For example, they may try to pass off a salvage title as a clean title.
Good title research will help you check for:
Any Wyoming county clerk will recommend using the National Insurance Crime Bureau website to research the title of a potential used car purchase to protect yourself from fraud. Even though it's rare, sometimes the seller will attempt to mislead or outright deceive. For example, they may try to pass off a salvage title as a clean title.
Good title research will help you check for:
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Reports of the vehicle having been stolen
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The vehicle having been declared a total loss in an insurance claim
Finalize with Wyoming DOT
The seller is out of the picture and you own the vehicle. Now you need to finalize the process with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (Wyoming DOT or WDOT).
You’ll need to complete the following at your local DOT location:
1. Finalizing the transfer of title with the State of Wyoming.
2. Registering the car in your name and getting new registration tags
3. Paying taxes and fees
4. Getting new license plates
You’ll need to complete the following at your local DOT location:
1. Finalizing the transfer of title with the State of Wyoming.
2. Registering the car in your name and getting new registration tags
3. Paying taxes and fees
4. Getting new license plates
Wyoming Title Transfer
After buying a used car in Wyoming from a private seller, you’ll need to complete an Application for Certificate of Title, attach it to the title, and submit it to the DOT along with the required documentation and payment.
What is Required to Complete a Title Transfer with Wyoming DOT?
The following documents need to be notarized and presented to the local County Clerk or DOT representative.
For a more detailed explanation, you can check out our title transfer guide.
What is Required to Complete a Title Transfer with Wyoming DOT?
The following documents need to be notarized and presented to the local County Clerk or DOT representative.
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Wyoming Certificate of Title
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Buyer and seller signature
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Proof that the car is free of liens
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A transfer fee of $15
For a more detailed explanation, you can check out our title transfer guide.
License Plates and Registration
Different states will have different regulations for license plates in private car sales. Some states allow the plates to remain with the car and pass on to the buyer. Sadly, Wyoming is not one of those states. When you buy a used car in Wyoming from a private owner, Wyoming laws mandate that the seller must remove the license plate from the car as well as peel off the registration sticker off the car.
As the seller, you’ll then need to get new license plates from WDOT. You’ll also need to register the car in your name at the same time
The initial vehicle registration can only be done in person at your local WDOT office.
In the state of Wyoming, the registration costs are determined by vehicle factory costs, vehicles’ years of service multiplied by 0,03.
You will need to submit the following:
As the seller, you’ll then need to get new license plates from WDOT. You’ll also need to register the car in your name at the same time
The initial vehicle registration can only be done in person at your local WDOT office.
In the state of Wyoming, the registration costs are determined by vehicle factory costs, vehicles’ years of service multiplied by 0,03.
You will need to submit the following:
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A completed Application For Title or Registration
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The vehicle's out-of-state title
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Proof of insurance
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Payment for fees
What Fees Are There When Buying A Used Car In Wyoming?
The car purchase price never includes the used car sales tax, registration, and title transfer fees, which the buyer will pay on top of the car itself.
Here are additional fees you'll pay beyond the purchase price when buying a used car in Wyoming:
PrivateAuto charges no buyer fees. The buyer is responsible for paying for the vehicle only and has no transaction-related costs on our platform.
Here are additional fees you'll pay beyond the purchase price when buying a used car in Wyoming:
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Title fee
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Plate transfer fee
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Wyoming sales tax: 4% on the purchase price of the vehicle
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Registration
PrivateAuto charges no buyer fees. The buyer is responsible for paying for the vehicle only and has no transaction-related costs on our platform.
Buying a Used Car in Wyoming with PrivateAuto
PrivateAuto makes buying a used car hassle-free. Whether you’re looking for a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Volvo V90, Honda CR-V AWD, or Tesla Model Y, you’re sure to find a great deal on the ride of your dreams.
We are the only end-to-end vehicle buying platform that gives you everything you need to get the deal done, from making offers to sending payments.
[
Browse our used cars for sale in Wyoming](https://privateauto.com/buy/wyoming).
The PrivateAuto buying process consists of a few simple steps:
We are the only end-to-end vehicle buying platform that gives you everything you need to get the deal done, from making offers to sending payments.
[
Browse our used cars for sale in Wyoming](https://privateauto.com/buy/wyoming).
The PrivateAuto buying process consists of a few simple steps:
Register on PrivateAuto and get your account verified
To make PrivateAuto a safe place for everyone, we require email, phone, and driver’s license verification, including facial recognition.
Browse for your dream car
It’s easy to browse listings of used vehicles for sale on PrivateAuto. Filter by make, model, mileage, year, and other criteria to make your search simpler and faster.
Make your offer
Make offers on vehicles that catch your eye. It’s up to you whether to accept the seller’s asking price, or to offer a lower price. You can also decide whether to accept ID-verified sellers only.
Go for the test drive
As the buyer, you will want to test drive the car. No more back-and-forth texts. You never have to give out your phone number. Rather, use our handy scheduling feature to coordinate a time and place for a test drive. (Oh, and you’ll be able to finalize the transaction instantly at the test drive location, FYI.)
Deal with the documentation
After you are satisfied with the car and the two of you have agreed on a purchase price, you can easily e-sign the Bill of Sale within our app, from your phone. With our shared documents feature, you can easily locate the paperwork needed after the sale.
Pay the seller
Before PrivateAuto arrived on the scene, receiving funds was the most stressful part of the entire purchasing process, especially for any used vehicle purchases over $5,000. There just aren’t a lot of good ways to move large amounts of money quickly and conveniently.
Those days are over! Verify and send out the funds instantaneously with PrivateAuto Pay, our innovative banking integration. Guaranteed funds for transactions large and small.
Those days are over! Verify and send out the funds instantaneously with PrivateAuto Pay, our innovative banking integration. Guaranteed funds for transactions large and small.
Transfer vehicle title
When buying a used vehicle, you must fill out the necessary information on the title transfer document.
Looking to sell your car? Choose PrivateAuto to get the best price and transact easily and safely!
Looking to sell your car? Choose PrivateAuto to get the best price and transact easily and safely!
Wyoming Car Buying FAQ
What kind of insurance does a used car need?
Used cars, just like new cars, are required to have liability car insurance at a minimum. Every insurance company will have different rates, so shop around.
The Wyoming DOT requires you to carry evidence of your auto insurance in your car, and also mandates a minimum of 25/50/20 liability insurance.
You can consider purchasing collision, comprehensive, and gap insurance for your vehicle, but these are not required in Wyoming.
The Wyoming DOT requires you to carry evidence of your auto insurance in your car, and also mandates a minimum of 25/50/20 liability insurance.
You can consider purchasing collision, comprehensive, and gap insurance for your vehicle, but these are not required in Wyoming.