What Documents Do You Need to Sell Your Car?

Selling your car is a straightforward process when you have the right paperwork. Whether you’re trading it in, selling to a dealership like CarRight Buying Center, or handling a private sale, ensuring you have the necessary documents will make the process smooth and hassle-free. Here’s everything you need to have ready before you sell your car.

1. Vehicle Title (Certificate of Title)

The most important document when selling a car is the vehicle title. This proves ownership and allows you to legally transfer the car to the new owner. If there’s a lien on your vehicle, you’ll need to work with your lender to pay it off and obtain a lien release before selling.

What if you don’t have the title?

• If you’ve lost your title, you’ll need to request a duplicate from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some states allow title transfers without a physical title if electronic records are available.

2. Vehicle Registration

A current vehicle registration helps verify that the car is legally registered in your name. While it’s not always required for the sale, having an up-to-date registration can make the transaction smoother, especially if the buyer needs proof that the vehicle is roadworthy.

3. Valid Identification

You’ll need a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to confirm your identity during the sale. This is required when signing over the title and completing any official paperwork.

4. Loan Payoff Information (If Applicable)

If your car is financed and you still owe money on it, you’ll need to provide loan payoff details. This includes:

• The lender’s contact information
• Your loan account number
• The current payoff amount

Many dealerships, including CarRight Buying Center, can handle the payoff process for you, deducting the remaining balance from your offer.

5. Bill of Sale

While not always legally required, a bill of sale is a useful document that records the details of the transaction, including:

• The names and addresses of both buyer and seller
• The vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• The purchase price
• The date of sale

Some states require a bill of sale for legal protection, and it’s a good practice to keep a copy for your records.

6. Odometer Disclosure Statement

Federal law requires an odometer disclosure statement for vehicles under 10 years old. This document certifies the car’s mileage at the time of sale and helps prevent odometer fraud. In many cases, this can be included on the title itself, but some states require a separate form.

7. Vehicle History Report (Optional but Recommended)

Although not mandatory, providing a vehicle history report (such as a Carfax or AutoCheck report) can help build trust with buyers by showing service history, previous accidents, and ownership records. CarRight Buying Center can often access this information, but if you’re selling privately, offering a report may help secure a sale.

8. Maintenance and Repair Records (Optional but Helpful)

Keeping a record of routine maintenance and repairs can increase the value of your car. Buyers appreciate knowing that the vehicle has been well cared for, and providing receipts for services like oil changes, tire rotations, and major repairs can be beneficial.

Final Steps Before Selling Your Car

Once you have all the necessary documents, take these final steps to ensure a smooth sale:

• Remove personal belongings from the car.
• Cancel insurance after the sale is complete.
• Remove license plates (some states require you to return them to the DMV).
• Complete any required state-specific forms (such as release of liability or notice of sale).

At CarRight Buying Center, we make selling your car easy. We handle much of the paperwork for you and ensure you get a fair, competitive offer. If you’re ready to sell, bring your car and these documents to us, and we’ll take care of the rest!