Overhaulin'

I'm selling my car (title owned) privately to an individual. What is the process?

As I said, the car is paid off and I have the title of the car in my possession. I found an honest, willing local buyer who is going to pay cash for the vehicle. So, now what? Do I just write up a simple bill of sale? What do I need to put on it? Is there a good, free copy available on the web? How do I transfer the title? What are the steps, do we sign the bill of sale, make the cash transaction, then transfer the title? Any other kind of fraud I should watch out for when accepting cash? Other then it being counterfeit, that is? I live in South Carolina, by the way. So, you're saying I should take the seller to the dealership while he's with me? How long does transferring the title take? A little more input is appreciated. I can't transfer the title at a title office, the buyer is going to register the car in the state next to mine. So, how do I do the title transfer now?

Public Comments

1. Don't take any chances, buddy. Some people ignorantly sign the back of the Title and take the cash. But there are legal issues here. Go to the DMV, and have the Title reassigned in the system. Trust me, you don't want the headache if he causes and accident and you've done the agreement otherwise. --Jon
2. Yes... Title Office is best place to turn Title over to new owner and get your Cash... Do NOT do this at a Car Dealer Unless he is your FRIEND a Real Friend.... 55% of Deals don't make it to Tax office before Buyer walks... If you have the title and he has the Cash... Check,, is there any other paper work your state needs for title transfer? Like title application for Buyer and seller... Ok, 1st He gives you the Cash... Have a Bill of Sale ready ((2 types)) Notary sign or Not... Notary style... Bill of Sale to Motor Vehicle This is to certify that I/We am/are the legal owner(s) of the vehicle described below, and that on the _______day of _____________ 200__ I/we sold and conveyed this vehicle to: ___________________________________________ Make Year model Body style VIN (vehicle Identification number) Signature of Seller____________________________ Signature of Buyer____________________________ Notary/Witness _________________________ (stamp here) OR No Notary .... Bill of Sale __________ Date Title #___________________________ VIN #___________________________ Year______Make _____________ Model_________ This is to Verify that I have Sold the above described vehicle As-Is, Where is, NO Implied or Expressed Warranty To: Name _______________________________________ address _____________________________________ City state & Zip ________________________________ Phone __________________________________ Sellers Signature ___________________________ Printed name ____________________________ address _______________________________ City state & zip ____________________________ # 2 Ok you sign, Have Buyer sign and date... # 3 You sign the title where needed... AND Date it .... make copy of both side if posible..... # 4 MAKE sure you get the Orginal signed copy of Bill of Sale this protects you from every recorse every one is scared of... # 5 ANY other paper work need to be filled out also. # 6 look everything over DID you count the Money? Date everything???? Wave good buy .....Also if you have insurance on the car leave it for a few days if its Paid up...Don't tell buyer.