Documents for Selling Your Car Privately
Selling a car to another person instead of trading it in or going through a dealership can be a pretty straightforward way to get more money for your vehicle. But selling it privately does come with a few more tasks, and paperwork is one of the big ones.
Whether you're clearing space in the driveway or getting ready to upgrade, knowing which documents you need can help you avoid legal headaches and delays. Even one missing paper can cause a deal to fall through or create problems for the buyer later on.
Every state has its own rules, and some situations need more documents than others. To make things easier, here's a breakdown of the most common paperwork needed when selling a car privately.
Whether you're clearing space in the driveway or getting ready to upgrade, knowing which documents you need can help you avoid legal headaches and delays. Even one missing paper can cause a deal to fall through or create problems for the buyer later on.
Every state has its own rules, and some situations need more documents than others. To make things easier, here's a breakdown of the most common paperwork needed when selling a car privately.
Title and Registration Documents
Let’s begin with the most important piece of documentation: the vehicle title. This is the legal proof that you own the car. Some call it the “pink slip.” If your name isn’t listed on this document, you legally can’t transfer ownership. In that case, you’ll first need to get the title in your name. That might mean paying off a loan or correcting an error at your DMV.
Once the title is clear and in your name, you’ll need to sign it over to the buyer once the sale is final. Most states require you to write the car’s current mileage, the date of the sale, and the buyer’s full name and address. Some states also ask for a notary to witness the signature. Always check your local DMV’s rules before filling anything out. Mistakes can make the title invalid, which slows the transfer process.
Registration is a separate item. It shows that the car is legally registered and allowed on the road. While you won’t hand over the registration like the title, it’s still good to have it available during the sale. This tells the buyer that your car is legal and current. Depending on the state, license plates might stay with the vehicle or be returned to the seller. Make sure you know the rule in your location so neither of you is surprised.
Once the title is clear and in your name, you’ll need to sign it over to the buyer once the sale is final. Most states require you to write the car’s current mileage, the date of the sale, and the buyer’s full name and address. Some states also ask for a notary to witness the signature. Always check your local DMV’s rules before filling anything out. Mistakes can make the title invalid, which slows the transfer process.
Registration is a separate item. It shows that the car is legally registered and allowed on the road. While you won’t hand over the registration like the title, it’s still good to have it available during the sale. This tells the buyer that your car is legal and current. Depending on the state, license plates might stay with the vehicle or be returned to the seller. Make sure you know the rule in your location so neither of you is surprised.
Bill of Sale
While not needed in every state, a bill of sale is still a smart move. It acts like a receipt and offers protection for both sides. If the buyer gets into legal trouble or an accident before the title is officially changed, it's helpful to have a bill of sale showing you’re no longer the owner.
A solid bill of sale should include:
It doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, Mike sells his 2013 Toyota Corolla to his neighbor for $7,000. He writes both names, adds the VIN and mileage, notes the sale is as-is, and signs it on July 2, 2025. They both sign two copies. Now each has proof, just in case any issues pop up.
Even if your state says it’s optional, a bill of sale can be a real help. You might need to show it if tickets or fees get sent your way after the car is sold. We offer an e-signable bill of sale during the deal process that both buyer and seller will e-sign when they do the deal. Our bill of sale is generally accepted in most states, which you can view here.
A solid bill of sale should include:
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Full legal names of both buyer and seller
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Purchase price of the vehicle
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Make, model, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
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Date of the transaction
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Odometer reading at the time of sale
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A statement that the sale is “as-is” with no warranties
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Signatures from both parties
It doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, Mike sells his 2013 Toyota Corolla to his neighbor for $7,000. He writes both names, adds the VIN and mileage, notes the sale is as-is, and signs it on July 2, 2025. They both sign two copies. Now each has proof, just in case any issues pop up.
Even if your state says it’s optional, a bill of sale can be a real help. You might need to show it if tickets or fees get sent your way after the car is sold. We offer an e-signable bill of sale during the deal process that both buyer and seller will e-sign when they do the deal. Our bill of sale is generally accepted in most states, which you can view here.
Odometer Disclosure Statement
The odometer disclosure statement is another key document. It records how many miles are on the car when it changes hands. This protects both the buyer and the seller by promoting honesty and stopping mileage fraud.
If the car is under 10 years old, federal rules require you to provide this statement. Without it, you could be fined. Most states have a downloadable form on their DMV websites. Once printed, you write down the mileage and sign it. The buyer usually signs too, and then each person keeps a copy.
This might seem like a small form, but it can make a big difference. The buyer knows how much wear the car has seen, and you’re protected from false claims later. It’s a quick task that adds confidence to the deal. Our bill of sale also includes an odometer disclosure on it.
If the car is under 10 years old, federal rules require you to provide this statement. Without it, you could be fined. Most states have a downloadable form on their DMV websites. Once printed, you write down the mileage and sign it. The buyer usually signs too, and then each person keeps a copy.
This might seem like a small form, but it can make a big difference. The buyer knows how much wear the car has seen, and you’re protected from false claims later. It’s a quick task that adds confidence to the deal. Our bill of sale also includes an odometer disclosure on it.
Emissions and Inspection Certificates
Depending on where you live, you may need emissions or safety inspection certificates. These tests ensure your car meets the local health and safety standards. Without passing, the buyer may not be able to register the car in their name.
Start by looking up your state’s rules. Your DMV should list whether these tests are required. If you do need one, schedule a test before listing the car. This gives you time to handle repairs if needed and prevents last-minute deal-breakers.
If your car fails the emissions test, don’t panic. The test report will usually list what caused the failure. Addressing those issues ahead of selling may speed things up later. When the test is passed, make sure to keep a copy for the buyer.
Safety inspections check things like brakes, lights, and tires. Some states require these regularly, while others check only during a change of ownership. Double-check those details so you don’t miss anything.
Even if your state doesn’t require these certificates, having them reassures the buyer that your car is road-ready.
Start by looking up your state’s rules. Your DMV should list whether these tests are required. If you do need one, schedule a test before listing the car. This gives you time to handle repairs if needed and prevents last-minute deal-breakers.
If your car fails the emissions test, don’t panic. The test report will usually list what caused the failure. Addressing those issues ahead of selling may speed things up later. When the test is passed, make sure to keep a copy for the buyer.
Safety inspections check things like brakes, lights, and tires. Some states require these regularly, while others check only during a change of ownership. Double-check those details so you don’t miss anything.
Even if your state doesn’t require these certificates, having them reassures the buyer that your car is road-ready.
Prepping for Sale Day
Once your documents are in order, the actual sale will go much more smoothly. Buyers appreciate a seller who has everything ready and knows the process. Being organized shows that you’re serious, makes the buyer feel confident, and keeps the transaction on track.
No one wants to head to the DMV just to find out they’re missing a form. So take a few moments to read through your state’s private sale rules. Every state is slightly different, and staying informed saves you (and the buyer) a lot of time.
Getting the paperwork straight can seem like a hassle at first glance, but it’s well worth it. A private car sale goes easier when everything’s up front and ready to go.
No one wants to head to the DMV just to find out they’re missing a form. So take a few moments to read through your state’s private sale rules. Every state is slightly different, and staying informed saves you (and the buyer) a lot of time.
Getting the paperwork straight can seem like a hassle at first glance, but it’s well worth it. A private car sale goes easier when everything’s up front and ready to go.
Selling your car to a private party can feel like a big responsibility. With all the documents and steps involved, it’s easy to feel like you’re forgetting something. But when you break it down into pieces and focus on one document at a time, it becomes manageable.
Having the right paperwork is key to preventing roadblocks. Buyers want clarity and peace of mind. Sellers want to avoid problems after the car is gone. When both sides are protected, it’s a smoother handoff.
PrivateAuto helps make this all a lot easier. From secure messaging to guided paperwork, we simplify each part of the private sale. Less confusion, fewer errors, and no standing in long DMV lines. Whether you're buying or selling, we’re here to help you make it simple and secure.
If you’re shifting gears and now focused on buying used car from private party sellers, PrivateAuto offers a secure and streamlined way to handle every step of the process. From trusted listings to secure payments, our platform is built to make your next purchase smooth and hassle-free. Learn more about buying a used car from a private party, the smart way, with PrivateAuto.
Having the right paperwork is key to preventing roadblocks. Buyers want clarity and peace of mind. Sellers want to avoid problems after the car is gone. When both sides are protected, it’s a smoother handoff.
PrivateAuto helps make this all a lot easier. From secure messaging to guided paperwork, we simplify each part of the private sale. Less confusion, fewer errors, and no standing in long DMV lines. Whether you're buying or selling, we’re here to help you make it simple and secure.
If you’re shifting gears and now focused on buying used car from private party sellers, PrivateAuto offers a secure and streamlined way to handle every step of the process. From trusted listings to secure payments, our platform is built to make your next purchase smooth and hassle-free. Learn more about buying a used car from a private party, the smart way, with PrivateAuto.