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The bottom line: This page lists the official DMV website for all 50 states, plus the forms and fees you need to sell a car. Each section covers the key paperwork: duplicate title info, bill of sale rules, license plate handling, and how to report the sale to your state.
If you’re getting ready to sell, check your state’s section first. Requirements vary a lot by state. Some states require a notarized title. Others require a notarized bill of sale. A few require both. And some don’t require notarization at all.
Before you sell, it’s also worth checking the vehicle history. A clean report can help you ask for more money, especially in a private sale. VinAudit lets you pull a full vehicle history report so you know what a buyer will see. And if you’re selling privately, KeySavvy handles payment securely so you don’t have to worry about bad checks or scams.
Key Takeaways
- Every state requires a signed title to sell a car. A few states (like Vermont and Connecticut for older vehicles) use a bill of sale instead.
- Seven states require a notarized title signature: Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wyoming.
- Several states require a notarized bill of sale, including Louisiana, Maryland (under certain conditions), Montana (under certain conditions), Nebraska, and West Virginia.
- Most states let you keep your license plates when you sell. New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina require you to remove and surrender or transfer them.
- Most states require you to report the sale to the DMV within 5 to 30 days. This protects you from tickets or liability after the car is gone.
- California is the only state that requires a smog certificate before selling most gas-powered vehicles. Georgia and Missouri require emissions in specific counties only.
- Duplicate title fees range from $4 (Arizona) to $95 (Illinois). If your title is lost or damaged, apply before listing the car.
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Alabama DMV
Official Website: Alabama Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form MVT-12-1 | Fee: $15.00 | Apply online via MyDMV |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or surrender to the issuing office. |
| Report the Sale | No state form required. Title transfer serves as notification. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Alabama
Alaska DMV
Official Website: Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form 809 | Fee: $15.00 | Download Form 809 |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the vehicle. Exception: personalized or specialty plates stay with the seller. |
| Report the Sale | File a Notice of Vehicle Sale online within 5 days. Tear-off section on the title. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Alaska
Arizona DMV
Official Website: Arizona Motor Vehicle Division
| Lost Title | Form 96-0236 | Fee: $4.00 | Download Form 96-0236 |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended. State form available: Form 48-2004 |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle within 15 days, or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | File a Sold Notice immediately on AZ MVD Now to stop future tax billing. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. Buyer handles this. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Arizona
Arkansas DMV
Official Website: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration – Motor Vehicle
| Lost Title | Form 10-381 | Fee: $10.00 | Download Form 10-381 |
| Bill of Sale | Required. Use combined Form 10-313 (Bill of Sale and Odometer). Needed for registration. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or return to the DFA. |
| Report the Sale | File a Notice of Transfer within 10 days online or at the DFA revenue office. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Arkansas
California DMV
Official Website: California Department of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form REG 227 | Fee: $27.00 | Download Form REG 227 | Apply online at DMV Virtual Office |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended. State form: Form REG 135 |
| License Plates | Stay with the vehicle. Exception: personalized or specialty plates go with the seller. |
| Report the Sale | File a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL / REG 138) online within 5 days. This stops parking ticket liability. |
| Emissions | Required. Sellers must provide a valid smog certificate (typically within 90 days of the sale). Applies to gas-powered vehicles over 4 model years old, with some exemptions. Seller pays for the test. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in California
Colorado DMV
Official Website: Colorado DMV – Buying and Selling
| Lost Title | Form DR 2539A | Fee: $8.20 | Download Form DR 2539A |
| Bill of Sale | Required if the title has no room to write the sale price. No state form; use a generic bill of sale. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle, return to the county motor vehicle office, or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | Report online via myDMV within 5 days to avoid future liability. |
| Emissions | Not required from the seller. Buyer handles emissions in applicable counties. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Colorado
Connecticut DMV
Official Website: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form H-6B | Fee: $25.00 | Download Form H-6B. Note: Title only required for vehicles less than 20 years old. |
| Bill of Sale | Required. Use Form H-31. For vehicles over 20 years old, this is the only ownership document needed. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or return to the DMV. |
| Report the Sale | Cancel the registration immediately online. No separate release form needed. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Connecticut
Delaware DMV
Official Website: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form MV-213 | Fee: $50.00 | Download Form MV-213 |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle ($35 fee) or surrender to the DMV. |
| Report the Sale | Mail the Seller’s Report of Sale (detached from the title) to the DMV within 30 days. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Delaware
Florida DMV
Official Website: Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form HSMV 82101 | Fee: $75.25 | Download Form HSMV 82101. Florida titles are digital; you must visit a Tax Collector and pay $10 to print a “Fast Title” before selling. |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended. State form available: Form HSMV 82050 |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. You MUST surrender them to the Tax Collector to avoid a driver’s license suspension. |
| Report the Sale | Required by law. Submit Form HSMV 82050 (Notice of Sale) to the Tax Collector within 30 days. Submit in person or by mail. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Florida
Georgia DMV
Official Website: Georgia Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form MV-1 | Fee: $8.00 | Download Form MV-1 | Apply online via DRIVES e-services |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended. State form: Form T-7 |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Cancel online via DRIVES or return to the county tag office. |
| Report the Sale | Cancel registration via DRIVES online or submit Form MV-18J immediately. No separate release form. |
| Emissions | Required in 13 metro Atlanta counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Georgia
Hawaii DMV
Official Website: Hawaii Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Registration
| Lost Title | Form CS-L (MVR) 10 | Fee: $10.00 | Download Duplicate Title Application |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended. State form available: Form CS-L (MVR) 40 |
| License Plates | Stay with the vehicle. Exception: personalized plates stay with the seller. |
| Report the Sale | Submit a Notice of Transfer (top of title / Form CS-L(MVR)53) to the County Finance Director within 10 days. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Hawaii
Idaho DMV
Official Website: Idaho Transportation Department – DMV
| Lost Title | Form ITD 3367 | Fee: $14.00 |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended. State form: Form ITD 3738 |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle (you get credit for remaining registration) or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | Required. File a Release of Liability online within 5 days. There is a $3.50 fee. File at the county assessor’s office if you can’t do it online. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Idaho
Illinois DMV
Official Website: Illinois Secretary of State – Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form VSD 190 | Fee: $95.00 | Not available online. Apply in person at a Secretary of State facility. |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | Mail or file online the Seller’s Report of Sale (Form VSD 703) immediately after the sale. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Illinois
Indiana DMV
Official Website: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form 205 | Fee: $15.00 | Download Form 205 | Apply online via myBMV |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended. State form available: Form 44237. E-titles available since July 2025. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. The BMV does not require you to return them. |
| Report the Sale | No state form required. The title transfer serves as proof of sale. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Indiana
Iowa DMV
Official Website: Iowa DOT – Motor Vehicle Division
| Lost Title | Form 411033 | Fee: $25.00 | Download Application for Replacement Title |
| Bill of Sale | Required. State form available. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle within 30 days or return to the county treasurer. |
| Report the Sale | File Form #411107 (Notice of Sale of Vehicle and Delivery of Title) at the county treasurer’s office or online within 30 days. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Iowa
Kansas DMV
Official Website: Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form TR-720B | Fee: $10.00 | Download Form TR-720B |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended. State form: Form TR-312 |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or return to the county treasurer. |
| Report the Sale | File a Seller’s Notification of Sale online within 10 days to protect yourself from liability. File at the county treasurer’s office if not online. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Kansas
Kentucky DMV
Official Website: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing
| Lost Title | Form TC 96-182 | Fee: $6.00 | Download Form TC 96-182. The seller’s signature on the title must be notarized. |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or return to the County Clerk. |
| Report the Sale | File an Affidavit of Incomplete Transfer (Form TC 96-3) at the County Clerk office if the buyer hasn’t transferred the title within 15 days. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Kentucky
Louisiana DMV
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form DPSMV 1799 | Fee: $68.50 | Download Form DPSMV 1799. The seller’s signature on the title must be notarized. |
| Bill of Sale | Required. Must be notarized. Use Form DPSMV 1690. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle, return to the OMV, or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | File a Notice of Transfer (Form DPSMV 1697) online immediately to update the state record. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Louisiana
Maine DMV
Official Website: Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form MVT-8 | Fee: $33.00 | Download Form MVT-8. Titles only required for vehicles from 1995 or newer. |
| Bill of Sale | Required. Must include VIN and sale price. State form available. For vehicles older than 1995, this is the only ownership document needed. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or return to the BMV or town office. |
| Report the Sale | No state form required. The bill of sale and title transfer serve as proof of sale. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Maine
Maryland DMV
Official Website: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
| Lost Title | Form VR-018 | Fee: $40.00 | Download Form VR-018 | Apply online via myMVA |
| Bill of Sale | Required. Use Form VR-181. Must be notarized if the vehicle is less than 7 years old and the sale price is below book value. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. You MUST surrender them to the MVA (and get a receipt) before canceling insurance. |
| Report the Sale | Plate surrender IS the release of liability. Get a receipt as proof. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Maryland
Massachusetts DMV
Official Website: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form T20558 | Fee: $25.00 | Download Form T20558 | Apply online via Atlas myRMV |
| Bill of Sale | Required to register the car in the buyer’s name. No state form; generic is fine. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or cancel the registration online and destroy the plates. |
| Report the Sale | Cancel your registration immediately online to stop excise tax and release liability. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Massachusetts
Michigan DMV
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
| Lost Title | Form TR-11L | Fee: $15.00 | Download Form TR-11L |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine). Keep a copy of the signed title for 18 months. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. Immediate family transfers are exempt from fees. |
| Report the Sale | No state form required. The bill of sale and title transfer serve as proof of sale. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Michigan
Minnesota DMV
Official Website: Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
| Lost Title | Form PS2067A | Fee: $7.25 | Download Form PS2067A |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the vehicle. Paid registration taxes transfer to the new owner. |
| Report the Sale | Report the sale online within 10 days to avoid liability. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Minnesota
Mississippi DMV
Official Website: Mississippi Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle
| Lost Title | Form 78-006 | Fee: $9.00 | Download Form 78-006. The seller’s signature on the title must be notarized. |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | No state form required. The title transfer serves as notification. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Mississippi
Missouri DMV
Official Website: Missouri Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle
| Lost Title | Form 108 | Fee: $8.50 | Download Form 108 |
| Bill of Sale | Required for vehicles less than 10 years old or weighing less than 16,000 lbs. Use Form 1957. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | Required. File Form 5049 (Notice of Sale) within 30 days. |
| Emissions | Required in the St. Louis area: St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, and Jefferson counties. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Missouri
Montana DMV
Official Website: Montana Motor Vehicle Division
| Lost Title | Form MV7 | Fee: $10.30 | Download Form MV7. The seller’s signature on the title must be notarized. |
| Bill of Sale | Required. Use Form MV24. Notarization is required only when used with an Application for Break/Bond Title (MV10) or when an Electronic Records Transfer occurs. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | No state form required. Bill of sale and title transfer serve as proof of sale. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Montana
Nebraska DMV
Official Website: Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form RV-707a | Fee: $14.00 | Download Form RV-707a |
| Bill of Sale | Required. Must be notarized for sales tax credit. State form available. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or return to the county treasurer. |
| Report the Sale | Submit a sold car notice online immediately to release liability. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Nebraska
Nevada DMV
Official Website: Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form VP 012 | Fee: $20.00 | Download Form VP 012 |
| Bill of Sale | Required. Use Form VP 104. Highly recommended to keep a copy even if the signed title is the primary transfer document. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. You MUST surrender them to the DMV (or cancel online) before dropping insurance. |
| Report the Sale | Notify the DMV via the online portal or by mail within 30 days. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Nevada
New Hampshire DMV
Official Website: New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form TDMV 18 | Fee: $35.00 | Download Form TDMV 18. Titles only required for vehicles under 20 years old. |
| Bill of Sale | Required for vehicles from 1999 or older (title-exempt). Generic form available. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or return to the town or city clerk. |
| Report the Sale | For titled vehicles, no separate release form is needed. For title-exempt vehicles, use Form TDMV 22A, filed at the town or city clerk. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in New Hampshire
New Jersey DMV
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
| Lost Title | Form OS/SS-UTA | Fee: $60.00 | Download Form OS/SS-UTA |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. You MUST surrender them to the MVC (and get a receipt). Plate surrender IS the release of liability. |
| Report the Sale | Plate surrender IS the release. No separate form required. Get a receipt as proof. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in New Jersey
New Mexico DMV
Official Website: New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
| Lost Title | Form MVD-10901 | Fee: $16.00 | Download Form MVD-10901 | Electronic titles available via MVD eTapestry |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended. State form: Form MVD-10009 |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle within 30 days, return to the MVD, or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | File Form MVD-10048 (Notice of Vehicle Sold) within 30 days to protect yourself from liability. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in New Mexico
New York DMV
Official Website: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form MV-902 | Fee: $20.00 | Download Form MV-902 | Apply online via NY DMV |
| Bill of Sale | Required to register the car in the buyer’s name. Use Form MV-912. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. You MUST surrender them to the DMV before canceling insurance. Plate surrender IS the release of liability. |
| Report the Sale | Plate surrender IS the release. No separate form needed. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in New York
North Carolina DMV
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form MVR-4 | Fee: $25.50 | Download Form MVR-4. The seller’s signature on the title must be notarized. |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. You MUST surrender them to the NCDMV before canceling insurance. |
| Report the Sale | Remove and turn in plates immediately. File Form MVR-46F (notarized) as proof of transfer. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in North Carolina
North Dakota DMV
Official Website: North Dakota Department of Transportation
| Lost Title | Form SFN 2872 | Fee: $5.00 | Download Form SFN 2872 |
| Bill of Sale | Required. Use Form SFN 2888. Notarization may be required when the seller’s signature must be verified or when a previous title record is missing. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | Complete Form SFN 2872 (Seller’s Report of Sale) and give it to the buyer within 15 days. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in North Dakota
Ohio DMV
Official Website: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form BMV 3774 | Fee: $15.00 | Download Form BMV 3774. The seller’s signature on the title must be notarized. |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. The buyer gets a 45-day temporary tag. |
| Report the Sale | No state form required. Title transfer and plate removal serve as the release of liability. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Ohio
Oklahoma DMV
Official Website: Service Oklahoma – Vehicle Titles
| Lost Title | Form 701-7 | Fee: $11.00 | Download Form 701-7. The seller’s signature on the title must be notarized. Note: Oklahoma moved to mandatory e-titles in July 2025. |
| Bill of Sale | Required. Use Form 722-1. Required for all private vehicle sales. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | File a Notice of Transfer (Form 773) online within 30 days. File at a tag agency if not online. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Oklahoma
Oregon DMV
Official Website: Oregon DMV
| Lost Title | Form 735-515 | Fee: $93.00 | Download Form 735-515 |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended. State form: Form 735-501 |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. Removal is not required by law. |
| Report the Sale | Notify the DMV within 10 days using Form 735-6890 (Notice of Sale). |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Oregon
Pennsylvania DMV
Official Website: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
| Lost Title | Form MV-38O | Fee: $72.00 | Download Form MV-38O. The seller’s signature on the title must be notarized. |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or return to PennDOT. |
| Report the Sale | No formal release form. Notify PennDOT by returning your plates. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Pennsylvania
Rhode Island DMV
Official Website: Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form TR-2 | Fee: $52.50 | Download Form TR-2. Titles required for vehicles from model year 2000 or newer. |
| Bill of Sale | Required for private sales, especially for vehicles from 2001 or newer. Use Form 1816. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or return to the DMV to cancel the registration. |
| Report the Sale | Cancel registration at the RIMV to release liability. No separate release form. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Rhode Island
South Carolina DMV
Official Website: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form 400 | Fee: $15.00 | Download Form 400 | Apply online at SCDMV Online |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. You MUST surrender them to the SCDMV or decommission them online. |
| Report the Sale | Report the sale immediately online using Form 416 (Notice of Vehicle Sold). |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in South Carolina
South Dakota DMV
Official Website: South Dakota Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle
| Lost Title | Form MV-010 | Fee: $10.00 | Not available online; apply in person. South Dakota is transitioning to e-titles (target: July 2026). |
| Bill of Sale | Required. Use Form 1025. Needed to title and register the vehicle. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | File a report of sale online within 15 days. File at the county treasurer’s office if not online. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in South Dakota
Tennessee DMV
Official Website: Tennessee Department of Revenue – Title and Registration
| Lost Title | Form RV-F1315201 | Fee: $14.00 | Download Form RV-F1315201 |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | No state form required. Bill of sale and title transfer serve as proof of sale. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Tennessee
Texas DMV
Official Website: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form VTR-34 | Fee: $2 by mail / $5.45 in person | Download Form VTR-34. If your title is an e-title, visit the tax office to print a paper title ($2) before selling. |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. You can also leave them on by agreement, but this is not recommended. |
| Report the Sale | Strongly recommended. File a Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346) online within 30 days. This stops future liability. File at a county tax office if not online. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Texas
Utah DMV
Official Website: Utah Driver License Division
| Lost Title | Form TC-123 | Fee: $6.00 | Download Form TC-123 |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended. State form: Form TC-843 |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. You can also sell the plates with the vehicle by agreement. |
| Report the Sale | File Form TC-502 (Vehicle Report of Sale) online immediately. No formal reporting required. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Utah
Vermont DMV
Official Website: Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form VT-004 | Fee: $35.00 | Download Form VT-004 | Apply online. Title required for vehicles over 15 years old. |
| Bill of Sale | Required. Use Form VT-005. This document, along with plate removal, serves as the legal release of liability. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or return to the DMV. |
| Report the Sale | No formal release portal. Completing Form VT-005 and removing plates is the legal release. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Vermont
Virginia DMV
Official Website: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form VSA 67 | Fee: $15.00 | Download Form VSA 67 | Apply online |
| Bill of Sale | Required for vehicles more than 5 years old. Use Form SUT 1. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle, surrender to the DMV, or deactivate online. |
| Report the Sale | Report the sale online immediately. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Virginia
Washington DMV
Official Website: Washington Department of Licensing
| Lost Title | Form 420-040 | Fee: $35.50 | Download Form 420-040. The seller’s signature on the title must be notarized. |
| Bill of Sale | Required if the sale price and date are not written on the title. Use Form 420-065. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle (like-kind only) or destroy. |
| Report the Sale | File Form 420-062 (Report of Sale) within 5 days to release liability. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Washington
West Virginia DMV
Official Website: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
| Lost Title | Form DMV-4-TR | Fee: $15.00 | Download Form DMV-4-TR. West Virginia has a full e-title system (since 2022). |
| Bill of Sale | Required. Use Form DMV-7-TR. Must be notarized if the sale price is below 50% of NADA Clean Loan Book value. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or return to the DMV. MUST surrender plates before canceling insurance to avoid a driver’s license suspension. |
| Report the Sale | Submit Form DMV-1-S (Sold Vehicle Notice) immediately. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in West Virginia
Wisconsin DMV
Official Website: Wisconsin Department of Transportation – DMV
| Lost Title | Form MV2119 | Fee: $20.00 | Download Form MV2119 | Apply online |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended (no state form; generic is fine) |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. Never leave plates on the vehicle. Do NOT return them to the DMV; Wisconsin asks sellers to cut them up or transfer them. |
| Report the Sale | Required. Submit a Seller Notification online within 30 days. Remove plates before handing over the keys to avoid liability for the buyer’s future tickets. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Wisconsin
Wyoming DMV
Official Website: Wyoming Department of Transportation – Titles, Plates and Registration
| Lost Title | Fee: $15.00 | Duplicate Title Application. Wyoming has not yet implemented an e-title system. The seller’s signature on the title must be notarized. |
| Bill of Sale | Recommended. No state form; generic is fine. Keep a signed copy as proof of transfer. |
| License Plates | Stay with the seller. Seller MUST remove plates. Transfer to a new vehicle or destroy. Registration expires on transfer. |
| Report the Sale | No state form required. A notarized title and signed bill of sale serve as proof of transfer. |
| Emissions | Not required before selling. |
Learn more: How to Sell a Car in Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states require a notarized title when selling a car?
Nine states require notarization on the title before the sale is valid: Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wyoming. If you live in one of these states, plan ahead. You’ll need to sign the title in front of a notary before handing it to the buyer.
Do I have to get emissions tested before selling my car?
In most states, no. California is the main exception. Sellers there must provide a valid smog certificate for most gas-powered vehicles over 4 model years old. Georgia and Missouri require emissions only in specific metro counties. Every other state puts the emissions responsibility on the buyer, not the seller.
Can I sell my car if I lost the title?
Yes, but you’ll need to get a duplicate title first. Every state DMV offers a replacement title. Fees range from $4 in Arizona to $95 in Illinois. Most states let you apply online. Once the replacement arrives, you sign and hand it to the buyer like a normal sale.
Learn more: How to Sell a Car Without a Title
What happens to license plates when I sell my car?
It depends on the state. In most states, the plates stay with the seller. You take them off and either transfer them to your next car or destroy them. In New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, you must surrender the plates to the DMV. Never leave your plates on a car you’ve sold, as you could be responsible for tickets or violations the new owner racks up.
Do I need to report the sale to the DMV after selling my car?
Yes, in most states. The deadline and method vary. Some states require a filing within 5 days, others allow up to 30 days. Some use an online portal; others use a paper form mailed to the DMV. Reporting the sale protects you from tickets, accidents, or violations that happen after you’ve handed over the keys. Check your state’s section above for the specific form and deadline.
Is a bill of sale required or just recommended?
It depends on the state. Arkansas, Connecticut, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia all require a bill of sale for private vehicle sales. Every other state recommends one even if it’s not legally required. A bill of sale protects you as the seller and helps the buyer register the car in their name.
How do I get the most money when selling my car?
The best way is to compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor before you commit. Instant offer companies, dealerships, and private buyers all value cars differently. Getting a few quotes takes 10 minutes and can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to what you walk away with.
Not sure where to start? Visit Sell Your Car to see all your options in one place. Getting several offers before you decide is the easiest way to know you’re not leaving money behind.
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