What happens when you sell a car?

stef · #1 03/30/11, 01:00 PM

This is going to sound really dumb...but, I might have a buyer for my '90 Cutlass Ciera and I have never sold a vehicle before.

What do I do? I have the title, but do we go to a notary to do the transaction?

stef

#2 03/30/11, 01:04 PM

Different states have different laws. Here in NC, both signatures have to be notarized. 13 miles away in Virginia, none do. I'd recommend calling your local Dept of Motor Vehicles and asking the laws for your state.

stef · #3 03/30/11, 02:02 PM

Okay, thanks for the tip.

mekasmom · #4 03/30/11, 02:16 PM

We just sign the title and give it to the buyer. Be sure to take off the plates, cause you don't want him driving on your plates.

TnAndy · #5 03/30/11, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zong

Different states have different laws. Here in NC, both signatures have to be notarized. 13 miles away in Virginia, none do. I'd recommend calling your local Dept of Motor Vehicles and asking the laws for your state.

Agreed.....different States, different ways.

You should be able to just look on the back of the title and tell if you need a notary, but if in doubt, call your DMV.

Harry Chickpea · #6 03/30/11, 03:17 PM

Also, immediately inform your insurance company of the sale, and make sure to send or deliver notification of the transaction to the proper authorities, in case the car is used in a robbery or some such.

stef · #7 03/30/11, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry Chickpea

Also, immediately inform your insurance company of the sale, and make sure to send or deliver notification of the transaction to the proper authorities, in case the car is used in a robbery or some such.

Oh, yes. That's another good reminder. Thanks.

Ray · #8 03/30/11, 09:01 PM

in MO if the seller doesn't notify the DOT within 30 days they are fined now.

fordy · #9 03/31/11, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stef

Okay, thanks for the tip.

..................You should go with them too the court house and MAKE SURE the title is transferred into their name ! That way , IF they or anyone else has a wreck they are subjected too any and All lawsuits resulting from wrecks they are involved , In ! , fordy

foxtrapper · #10 03/31/11, 01:44 PM

In PA, it's done through your local notary if the buyer is a PA resident as well. If the prospective buyer is from out of state, you just sign off on the back of the title in the seller section. They then take it and do their state thing.

stef · #11 03/31/11, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxtrapper

In PA, it's done through your local notary if the buyer is a PA resident as well. If the prospective buyer is from out of state, you just sign off on the back of the title in the seller section. They then take it and do their state thing.

Wow...all the good stuff you can learn, if you just ask.

WisJim · #12 03/31/11, 10:56 PM

Make sure you know what you are doing before anything gets written on the title, because in most states errors or corrections or erasures void the title, and you would then have to go through the process of getting a replacement title, costing both time and money.

retire2$ · #13 04/05/11, 09:44 PM

In addition to filling out and signing the back of the title I write up a paper stating that (name of new owner) purchased my vehicle identified as (VIN number) on date and time for $. I also document on this paper that the person is buying the car "as is". I have the person sign and date the paper. I would also ask for identification and write this information on the paper that the new owner signed. This way if the new owner did not get the vehicle registered in his name and drove it and had an accident you would have proof of the sale. Having the paper notorized would also be a good idea.

Rickstir · #14 04/07/11, 01:15 PM

And sales tax gets paid AGAIN!

DavidUnderwood · #15 04/07/11, 02:56 PM

Almost all banks finance cars.
Almost all banks have a notary in house.
In NC the people at the license tag office
handle title transfers.