Can I Sell My Car Without a Title?
A car title is a vital document showing proof of vehicle ownership. This legal certificate is essential when you plan to sell or trade your ride. In most cases, you must have the title to finalize the sale so they can register the car under their name.
But how can you sell your car without a title for transfer? Is it even possible without the necessary documents?
This blog shares whether or not you can sell a car without a title and a few tips on going through and expediting the process seamlessly.
How to Sell a Car Without a Title
Selling a vehicle without a title varies from state to state, so it’s best to check your state’s DMV website for accurate information. Here are a few tips to remember when selling your ride, even if you don’t have its original title.
Find out if your vehicle is exempt.
Cars that are either 15 to 25 years old or considered collectibles may be exempt from needing a title. This means that you’ll only need a bill of sale to sell these types of cars.
Some states also allow the selling of vehicles without a title, as long as you’ve begun the retitling process. The buyer would be issued a temporary permit to speed up the selling process. However, the owner will have to complete the retitling process. You should also consider the exempt sales requirements in your jurisdiction to inform the buyer.
Learn how to replace a car title.
There are different ways to get a title replacement, depending on circumstances surrounding why the original title cannot be acquired anymore:
- The title is under a lien: First, contact your lender and inform them of your plans to sell the vehicle. Afterwards, you’ll sell the car with a lien before releasing the title to you.
- The title is lost or damaged: Submit an Application for Duplicate Title at your local DMV.
- The car was stolen: You must provide the sale bill to prove ownership.
- You moved out of the state: The titling laws now depend on your new state. It is convenient if your new place uses an Electronic Lien and Title program as you can complete the retitling process online. Otherwise, you must visit your local DMV.
Gather the necessary documents.
Before you visit the DMV or start processing using the ELT program, gathering all necessary documents for a hassle-free replacement title application is best. These records include your bill of sale and vehicle financing information, whether you paid in cash, through a lease, or are still under a loan.
You must have the vehicle identification number (VIN) and know the make, model, and year of the car. It helps to know this basic information to make yourself credible as its legal owner despite the lack of a car title. Other necessary information you’ll need includes your current address, proof of residence, and driver’s license.
Write up a bill of sale.
Having a bill of sale is also enough proof of ownership for cars with missing titles. You must then check with your state’s regulations regarding the bill of sale presentation.
Most states require a bill of sale form, which you can print out or pick up at any DMV branch. You can check out the Secretary of State’s website to download its template. Otherwise, you can search for one online to use as your basis.
The bill on sale should include information similar to what’s found on the vehicle title, such as its current mileage, the VIN, its make, model, year, and your address. The certificate should also include the buyer’s name and address.
Get a notary.
Some buyers may be weary when buying a car without a title. We recommend getting your bill of sale notarized to give them peace of mind. After all, having an official state witness the signing over of a vehicle’s ownership is not a bad idea. Your state may not require this, so it’s best to check county and state regulations first.
Deal with out-of-state buyers.
What do you do if you have an out-of-state buyer but your vehicle is deemed exempt? Some states might recognize a bill of sale, even if it is notarized.
As a seller, you must do your part to get a copy of the vehicle’s registration in your state to help the new owner ease the process as they obtain a new title in their state. It would also benefit your buyer if you provided a separate notice of sale, as they can use it for registration and licensing.
Find a buyer.
You can sell your vehicle by approaching a dealership or transacting with a private party. The former is more convenient as they will complete all the legal paperwork; meanwhile, the latter requires filling out the Certificate of Title.
This pink document includes the following information:
- Registered owner’s signature: Names registered under “Registered Owner(s)” must sign the release section of the Certificate of Title. If the names are separated by an “Or,” only one signature is needed.
- Odometer disclosure: The seller must provide the number of miles on the vehicle, signed by both parties.
- Buyer’s information: The buyer must provide their basic information, including their name, mailing address, and driver’s license number.
- Sale information: It’s important to properly label the pink slip with the date, time of sale, and agreed value of the vehicle.
Keep copies of everything.
Another thing you must remember in selling a car without a title is to keep copies of everything even after the vehicle is sold and long gone. You can’t be sure the new owner will register the ride, and doing so will protect you from any liability associated with the vehicle in the future.
Notify the state of the finalized sale.
The last step is to inform the state where the vehicle is titled that you’ve sold it. Notifying the DMV ahead of time will prevent you from being fined taxation and fees in the future.
Bottom Line: You Can Sell Your Car Without a Title!
Contrary to popular belief, you can still sell your vehicle without its original title. However, you’ll have to take extra steps to prove that you are its legal owner and have the right to sell it. Knowing where to sell your car without a title is easy once you’ve filed for a new one.
Once you have its title, the next step is to find an interested buyer. You may transact with a private buyer directly or get help from a dealership. It’s best to know the market value of your ride before selling it so the trouble you went through won’t go to waste. You can make the most of VIP Automotive Group’s appraisal services to determine how much your vehicle is worth.
Sell Your Car Without Title with Ease
Not having a car title can make selling your vehicle challenging. Follow these steps and tips to know what you can do to find a potential buyer for your ride. You can also get professional help from a dealership to get assistance on everything you need to do to sell your car.
Learn more about selling your preowned vehicle by visiting the VIP Automotive Blog.