What Paperwork Do You Need To Sell Your Car?

Which Documents Do You Need to Sell Your Vehicle?

If you're asking yourself “What paperwork do I need to sell my car?”, you're likely preparing to offload your vehicle and want the process to go smoothly. Selling a car requires more than just finding the right buyer; it also involves having the correct documents to make the transaction legal and straightforward. Here’s a detailed guide on the key paperwork you'll need. Check out our "When Is The Best Time To Sell Your Car?" guide for related tips and tricks!

Car Title: Proof of Ownership

The most important document in any vehicle sale is the car title. This document proves that you own the car and have the legal right to sell it. The title includes key information like the vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN. In most states, selling a car without this document is illegal and can also expose you to potential liabilities, such as toll violations or accidents caused by the new owner.

When you’re still paying off a loan on the vehicle, the title will list the lienholder, who might physically hold the title until the loan is paid off. You must coordinate with your lender to complete the transaction when selling through a private sale or a trade-in. 

Bill of Sale: Record of the Transaction

Some states require a bill of sale when transferring ownership. Even if your state doesn’t mandate one, having a bill of sale is a smart move. It outlines the terms of the sale, including the purchase price, VIN, and sale date, and serves as a receipt for both parties. The document also acts as a waiver of liability for the seller once the car is transferred to the buyer. Templates are widely available and can be easily customized to fit your needs.

While a bill of sale doesn’t legally transfer ownership, it provides a valuable paper trail, making sure you and the buyer are clear on the terms. This is particularly important if questions arise after the sale. We touch on this in more detail in our "How to Sell Your Car in 15 Easy Steps" guide.

Vehicle History Report: Building Trust with the Buyer

A vehicle history report isn’t required, but offering one can increase your car’s value and speed up the sale. Buyers often want to know about any accidents, repairs, or title issues the car might have had. By bringing a comprehensive vehicle history report, you build trust with potential buyers and eliminate many of the uncertainties they may have.

Most reports can be easily obtained using the vehicle’s VIN, giving details such as past owners, accident history, and service records. These reports often reflect whether a vehicle has a clean title or if there are any major issues that could affect its value. Giving this information upfront makes the selling process smoother and instills confidence in the buyer.

Maintenance Records: Prove Your Car’s Reliability

Keeping a detailed maintenance record is always a good idea, especially when selling your car. These records demonstrate that the car has been well cared for and properly maintained, which can make a significant difference to buyers. You can often contact your service department to retrieve the records if you don't have them. Even if the buyer doesn’t explicitly ask for maintenance records, offering them can give you an advantage over other sellers.

These documents show you’ve taken care of regular maintenance like oil changes, brake replacements, and tire rotations. This increases the buyer’s confidence and can translate into a higher sale price.

Warranty Information: Added Value for the Buyer

If your car is still under warranty, whether it’s a manufacturer’s or extended one, this can be a major selling point. Most factory warranties transfer automatically when the vehicle is sold, provided the car’s VIN is tied to the warranty. If you have a third-party extended warranty, transferring it may involve additional paperwork and fees, so it’s wise to gather all relevant details and be prepared to complete that process.

Bringing warranty information helps set your car apart from others on the market, adding peace of mind for the buyer. It also gives you leverage when negotiating the sale price since it reduces the buyer’s perceived risk of future repairs.

Selling a car is a significant investment, and the process can be overwhelming with the multitude of options available. This is where auto brokers come into play. If you've ever wondered how auto brokers work and what they can do for you, this article will provid e a comprehensive overview. 

Odometer Disclosure: A Legal Requirement in Most States

In many states, sellers must disclose the vehicle’s mileage at the time of the sale. This is often done through an odometer disclosure statement certifying the car’s mileage. This information is sometimes recorded on the title, while other states require a separate document. 

Either way, be sure you know your state’s specific requirements, as failing to provide an accurate mileage reading could delay the sale or lead to legal issues.

Selling your car can feel like a complex process, but it doesn’t have to be. Certified AutoBrokers Inc. streamlines the entire experience, making sure you have all the necessary paperwork. From securing your car’s title to gathering maintenance records, we deliver personalized assistance to guarantee your sale goes smoothly.