Buy & Sell Vehicle Resources (All States)
Everything you need to legally buy or sell a car in any state: title transfer, bill of sale, odometer disclosure, sales tax, registration, emissions/safety, and insurance. Select your state to get exact forms, fees, deadlines, and step-by-step instructions.
Buying or Selling a Car? Start Here:
- Complete a bill of sale and endorse the title (seller signs; buyer info and odometer disclosure as required).
- Record mileage on the federal odometer disclosure (required for model year 2011 and newer under 20 years old).
- Pay state sales/use tax and title/registration fees (typically $15–$75 for title plus sales tax).
- Register the vehicle and get plates within your state’s deadline (commonly 10–30 days after purchase).
Eligibility
- Seller must be the titled owner or have legal authority to sell (e.g., power of attorney).
- Title must be free of liens, or include an original lien release or paid-off letter.
- Odometer disclosure is required for model year 2011 and newer vehicles until they are 20 years old.
- Buyer must have valid government ID and minimum liability insurance to register.
- Emissions or safety inspection may be required before registration in certain states.
Documents
- Vehicle Title (Certificate of Title)
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement
- Government-issued ID
- Proof of Insurance
- Lien Release (If Applicable)
Fees & Typical Costs
- Fee — $15–$75 Title transfer fee (most states)
- Fee — $15–$50 Duplicate title (if original lost before sale)
- Fee — $20–$150 depending on state/weight/value Registration fee (passenger vehicles)
- Fee — 2%–8.25% of purchase price (state/county dependent) Sales or use tax
- Fee — $15–$65 Emissions/safety inspection (if required)
- Fee — $5–$50 License plates/plate transfer
- Fee — $10–$100+ depending on delay Late transfer penalty (if past deadline)
FAQ
What forms are required to buy or sell a car?
At minimum you’ll need the endorsed vehicle title, a bill of sale, and an odometer disclosure for vehicles subject to disclosure. Some states require a separate title/registration application and a VIN verification for out-of-state vehicles.
How soon must I register a car after buying it?
Most states require registration within 10–30 days of purchase. Late penalties typically start around $10 and can exceed $100 depending on how long you wait.
How much are taxes and fees?
Expect a title fee of $15–$75, registration of $20–$150, and sales or use tax between about 2% and 8.25% of the purchase price. Emissions or safety inspections may add $15–$65 where required.
Do I need insurance before I can register?
Yes. Every state requires minimum liability coverage to register. For example, California’s minimum is 15/30/5 (bodily injury per person/accident, property damage). Compare quotes at insurance.dmvkiosk.app.
When is an odometer disclosure required?
Federal rules require disclosure for model year 2011 and newer vehicles until they reach 20 years old. States provide a standalone form or space on the title to record the mileage.
Can I sell a car with an active lien?
Not without the lienholder’s participation. Arrange payoff and obtain an original lien release or electronic lien termination. The buyer or DMV cannot complete transfer without clearing the lien.
State contact
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official site