What Documents Do You Need When Buying a Car from a Private Seller?

Last Updated on December 12, 2025

Buying a car from a private seller can be straightforward — but the paperwork matters. If you miss a key document (or sign something incorrectly), you can end up with registration delays, surprise fees, or even problems proving ownership.

In most states, the two must-haves are the vehicle title and (often) a bill of sale. Some states also require emissions/smog paperwork, safety inspection documents, an odometer disclosure, or notarization. A dealership usually handles this paperwork for you — but in a private sale, the buyer and seller handle it themselves.

Below is a practical checklist of what you may need when buying a car from a private seller (and what the seller should provide), plus tips to avoid common private-sale mistakes.

Key Takeaways

• Most private car purchases require a signed title, and many states also require a bill of sale (even when it’s optional, it’s a smart “receipt” to keep).
• Before paying, verify the VIN matches the title and confirm the title is lien-free to avoid registration problems later.
• Depending on your state/county, you may also need emissions/smog paperwork, a safety inspection certificate, and/or an odometer disclosure.
• Have insurance ready before you drive the car home, then transfer title/registration promptly to avoid penalties or delays.

What Documents Do I Need to Buy a Car from a Private Seller?

Requirements vary by state, but most private-party purchases involve these core items:

Tip: Before you exchange money, confirm the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN on the title and paperwork. If anything doesn’t match, pause the transaction.

If the seller does not have the title, or if the title is missing, ask them to obtain a replacement title through the DMV before you buy. Title problems are one of the most common reasons private sales go sideways.

Paperwork You May Need at the DMV to Register the Vehicle

After the sale, the buyer typically submits paperwork to the DMV (or equivalent agency) to transfer ownership and register the vehicle. In many states, you’ll commonly need:

• The signed title and any required transfer section(s)
• Bill of sale (if your state requires it or if it’s needed for tax/fee calculation)
• Any required emissions/smog paperwork (if applicable)
• Any required safety inspection certificates (if applicable)
• A completed application for title or registration
• Payment for registration/taxes/fees (see typical costs here: registration fee)

Timing varies by state. Some states require a transfer within about 10 days, while others allow 15, 20, or 30 days. To avoid penalties, treat this as a “do it ASAP” task — ideally within the first week after purchase.

Documentation Requirements for Out-of-State Vehicles

If you bought a vehicle from another state (or the seller recently moved), your DMV may require extra steps. Common add-ons include:

• Out-of-state registration documents
• Current license plates (or plate surrender paperwork, depending on the state)
• A VIN verification form or inspection (common when bringing a vehicle into a new state)
• Additional emissions compliance documents (especially if moving into an emissions-testing area)

Even if you buy an out-of-state vehicle while physically in your state, your DMV may still treat it like an “out-of-state purchase.” Check your DMV’s requirements before the sale so you don’t get stuck waiting on extra paperwork.

What Is a Vehicle Title?

The vehicle title is the document that proves legal ownership of the vehicle. It includes key details like the VIN and the title brand (clean, salvage, rebuilt, etc.).

Before buying, make sure the title is valid and free of liens. If the title has multiple owners listed, you generally need signatures from everyone listed (depending on how the names are connected on the title).

Also, avoid damaged titles. Some DMVs may reject a title that’s torn, heavily stained, or not legible, which can delay registration. If the title is damaged, ask the seller to replace it before the sale.

What Is a Bill of Sale?

A bill of sale is a simple document that proves the transaction happened. Think of it as a receipt: it typically lists the buyer and seller, the vehicle details (including VIN), the sale date, and the purchase price.

Some states require a bill of sale for private transactions, while others don’t. Even when it’s not required, it can still be useful to document the price paid and protect both sides if a dispute comes up later.

Insurance Requirements When Buying a Vehicle from a Private Seller

Line up insurance before you drive the car home. A private seller usually won’t verify your coverage — and it’s on you to make sure you’re insured.

At minimum, you need minimum liability insurance to drive legally. Many drivers also choose full coverage car insurance, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage.

If you already own a vehicle and have insurance, your current policy may extend coverage to a newly purchased vehicle for a short window (often a few days to a few weeks). If not, you could buy a temporary policy or drive-away insurance to bridge the gap.

When in doubt, contact your insurer and ask about insurance requirements and how coverage applies to newly purchased vehicles in your state.

Other Smart Tips for Private Car Sales

Private sales can be safe and smooth — as long as you do a little homework:

• Verify paperwork requirements first: Some states require emissions/smog and/or safety inspection documentation for registration.
• Check the VIN carefully: Make sure it matches the title, the bill of sale, and the VIN plate on the vehicle.
• Confirm the title is clean (and lien-free): Avoid buying a car if the seller can’t prove the lien was released.
• Look up fair market value: Use Kelley Blue Book to estimate price based on condition and mileage: KBB’s “What’s My Car Worth?” tool.
• Meet safely: Bring a friend, meet in a well-lit public place, and don’t hand over money until the title and keys are in hand.
• Inspect the car: Test drive it and consider paying a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.

FAQs on Buying a Car from a Private Seller

Final Word on Buying a Car from a Private Seller

In most private vehicle sales, you need two main documents: the signed vehicle title and a bill of sale (required in some states and useful in almost all of them). Depending on your state, you may also need emissions/smog paperwork, safety inspection proof, an odometer disclosure, or additional DMV forms.

After the purchase, register the vehicle promptly and confirm whether the title needs to be notarized in your state. Doing the paperwork correctly up front is the easiest way to avoid delays and headaches later.