State-by-State Paperwork Guide: What You Need to Sell Your Car Legally
Selling a car isn’t just about finding the right buyer it’s also about making sure all the paperwork is in order. From titles to bills of sale, emissions certificates to odometer disclosures, each U.S. state has its own checklist of what’s legally required to finalize the deal.
If you don’t complete the correct documents, you could delay the sale or worse, remain liable for a vehicle you no longer own. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive, state-by-state paperwork guide so you can sell your car with confidence, no matter where you live.
We’ve also included downloadable checklists tailored to each state to make your sale seamless and stress-free.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to post your listing, you can kick off the process of selling your car with this essential resource at your fingertips.
What Paperwork Is Typically Required to Sell a Car?
Before diving into the state-specific requirements, let’s go over the most common documents you’ll need, regardless of location:
- Vehicle Title (Certificate of Ownership): Required in all states to legally transfer ownership.
- Bill of Sale: Documents the sale and provides legal protection to both buyer and seller.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required by federal law if the vehicle is under 10 years old.
- Emissions or Smog Certificate: Needed in states with strict environmental laws.
- Vehicle History Report (Optional but Helpful): Builds buyer trust.
- Release of Liability: Notifies the DMV you’ve sold the car and removes you from future legal responsibility.
- Maintenance Records (Optional): Helps boost value and buyer confidence.
State-by-State Breakdown of Car Selling Paperwork
Here’s a quick overview of what’s required in all 50 states. Each listing includes the key forms, where to file them, and whether a notary is required.
You can also download individual checklists tailored to each state for a step-by-step guide.
Alabama
- Title required: Yes
- Bill of Sale: Optional but recommended
- Odometer Disclosure: Yes
- Notary: No
- Extra: Vehicle must be registered to seller
Alaska
- Title required: Yes
- Bill of Sale: Yes
- Odometer Disclosure: Yes
- Notary: No
- Extra: Title transfer required within 30 days
Arizona
- Title required: Yes
- Bill of Sale: Recommended
- Odometer Disclosure: Yes
- Notary: Required for the title
- Tip: Don’t forget to remove the license plates
- Search tip: “sell my car paperwork Arizona”
California
- Title required: Yes
- Bill of Sale: Optional
- Odometer Disclosure: Yes
- Smog Certification: Required if older than 4 years
- Release of Liability: Required (can be submitted online)
Colorado
- Title required: Yes
- Bill of Sale: Yes
- Emissions Test: Required in some counties
- Odometer Disclosure: Yes
- Notary: No
Florida
- Title required: Yes
- Bill of Sale: Recommended
- Odometer Disclosure: Yes
- Notary: No
- Extra: Seller must submit Notice of Sale to DMV
Illinois
- Title required: Yes
- Bill of Sale: Optional
- Odometer Disclosure: Yes
- Notary: No
- Extra: Seller must remove plates before the sale
New York
- Title required: Yes
- Bill of Sale: Required
- Odometer Disclosure: Yes
- Notary: Not required
- Release of Liability: Submit to DMV within 5 days
Texas
- Title required: Yes
- Bill of Sale: Optional
- Odometer Disclosure: Yes
- Emissions: Required in urban counties
- Release of Liability: Must be submitted within 30 days
Washington
- Title required: Yes
- Bill of Sale: Yes
- Emissions: Required in select areas
- Report of Sale: Must be filed within 5 days
- Notary: Not required
For the complete list of all 50 states and downloadable checklists, please check the full resource section at the end of the article.
Tips to Avoid Common Paperwork Mistakes
1. Double-Check the Title
Make sure the title is in your name and free of liens. If you lost it, order a duplicate before selling.
2. Fill Out Forms Correctly
A single error on the title (like crossing out a number) can invalidate the transfer. Use blue or black ink, and write clearly.
3. Don’t Forget the Release of Liability
Failing to file this means any speeding tickets or accidents after the sale might come back to haunt you.
4. Be Aware of State Transfer Deadlines
Some states give you 5 days to report a sale. Others allow up to 30. Late filings can result in fines.
Do You Need a Notary to Sell Your Car?
This depends on your state. Some states like Arizona and Montana require notarized signatures on the title. Others like California or Texas do not. When in doubt, bring ID and check local DMV rules before finalizing the sale.
When the Buyer Is Out of State
If you’re selling to someone in another state, be extra careful:
- Always provide a bill of sale
- Complete the title and odometer disclosure
- Don’t ship the car until payment clears
- Ask the buyer to handle registration in their home state
Downloadable State Checklists (PDF Format)
To make your sale easier, we’ve created ready-to-print checklists for all 50 states. These include:
- Step-by-step instructions
- Links to official DMV forms
- Special rules by region (emissions, notary, etc.)
You can download yours instantly at the bottom of this article.
Conclusion
Selling your car isn’t just about finding a buyer and shaking hands. Every state has its own rules and missing even one small detail can delay the sale, cost you money, or leave you legally exposed.
By understanding your state’s paperwork requirements, preparing in advance, and using simple tools like downloadable checklists, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and enjoy a smooth sale.
