Overhaulin'

How do I sell my car privately and assuring the DMV knows its sold?

Hello, I'm interested in selling my car privately and know the major points on how to keep myself safe. However we found out that someone sold their car, got the money (all in cash) and gave them the car BUT the person who purchased it never registered it and was impounded around the time the registration was over. So with that said, when I do sell my car and give over the title and get my money (fore sure) how do I know they are going to be responsible enough to go to the DMV and register it? That way if anything happens, they (impound people or whoever) know it was sold and at least not in my possession?

Public Comments

1. all you do is sell the car sign the title and is the other person responsability to register it. you did your job by selling it and signing the title. or both of yall can go to the DMV and register the vehicle good luck
2. I sold my truck privately and had the new owners to be go to the Department of Transportation with me. Covered both our butts. They are also supposed to pay a tax on the sale price of the vehicle. If you want it to go smoother call the DMV or DOT tomorrow and ask them what the tax will be on the asking price of your vehicle. That way the new owner won't be surprised.
3. You fill out a bill of sale (not all states call it this). Go here and click your state for more info: http://www.dmv.org/bill-of-sale.php
4. Need insurance that the other guy will register the car? Take your plates. Sure, transfer the title, and all that good stuff, simply keep your license plates. They are, after all, your documents. This will force the other guy to go register the car immediately to get new plates, or at the very least t-tags.
5. MEET THEM at the DMV with the car and go in with them to register it. This is really important! A friend of ours sold his car privately, the man never changed the registration... The car was later involved in a bank hold-up and the police came beating on our friend's door in the middle of the night. Try explaining when you're still half asleep!
6. When you sell the car be sure to take the license plate off, sign your title over to the person you are selling it to and get it notorized. It is out of your hands then and left up to the buyer to register it and buy their own tags & pay the taxes.