Selling a Used Car in California

PrivateAuto is the fastest, most secure, and most convenient platform for selling your used car in California. We tell you everything you need to know.
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Why a California Private Car Sale is Better

You can typically get a higher price for your car in the private market than they do from a California dealership trade-in. That’s because dealerships need to make a spread: they buy low and sell high.

Unfortunately, selling your vehicle on the private market has always been a cumbersome process, in California and throughout the US. Until now.

How PrivateAuto Helps You Sell Your Car in California

California private car sellers love PrivateAuto because we make the process of selling your car so simple.

Full banking integration for instant money transfers, 24/7/365
Verified buyer funds presale so you don’t waste your time
Makes selling a vehicle (and getting paid) quick, easy, and secure

Selling your Car on PrivateAuto: the Process

Here’s how the PrivateAuto selling process works:

1. You register on PrivateAuto and we verify you
2. You list your car model with our easy step-by-step guided process
3. You set your terms and screen would-be buyers
4. You vet incoming offers and choose a buyer
5. You and the buyer e-sign documents from your PrivateAuto phone app
6. You get paid, instantaneously

So easy.

Are you interested in buying a car in California instead? Look through our used cars for sale.

Selling a Car in California FAQ


What paperwork do I need to sell my car privately in California

Every state has its own documentation requirements for selling a used car. Luckily for you, PrivateAuto helps you keep track of all needed paperwork requirements with our step-by-step in-app process.

You will need the following paperwork to sell your car in California:

- Warranty documents
- Service documents
- Bill of sale
- Car title and registration documents
- Vehicle identification number
- Car insurance documents

PrivateAuto guides you through the selling process, so you never risk forgetting about a document you need to make the sale.

How do I sell a car to an individual in California?


Can you sell a car without a title in California?


Who pays the sales tax on a used car?


What is the safest method of payment when selling a car?


How to protect yourself when selling a car privately?