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The bottom line: Selling a car to an online buyer involves three stages of paperwork: what you prepare before requesting a quote, what you hand over at pickup, and what you file with the DMV after the sale.
Most sellers only think about pickup day. But missing a post-sale filing in your state can leave you on the hook for tickets, taxes, or liability on a car you no longer own.
The checklist below covers all three stages. Which documents you need at each stage depends on your buyer, your state, and your car’s situation.
Not sure which buyer fits your car? Compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor before you start.
Stage 1: Before You Request a Quote
- Car title (front and back; locate it now, before you call)
- Valid photo ID for all owners listed on the title
- Vehicle registration (expired OK with most buyers)
- VIN number (on dashboard or driver’s door frame)
- Loan payoff info if you still owe money (lender name, account number, payoff amount)
Stage 2: At Pickup
- Signed title (buyer or driver will walk you through where to sign)
- All keys and remotes including spares
- Odometer reading (required for most vehicles under 10 years old)
- Bill of sale (buyer typically provides; confirm this ahead of time if your state requires one)
- Remove license plates before the driver arrives (required in most states)
Stage 3: After the Sale
- File release of liability / notice of transfer with your DMV if your state requires it
- Cancel or transfer your registration
- Keep a copy of the signed title and bill of sale for your records
Check Your State Requirements:
- Notarized title required? (10 states)
- Notarized bill of sale required? (4 states)
Key Takeaways
is the most flexible buyer for incomplete paperwork and can sometimes buy without a title depending on your state.
requires a clear title and won’t buy financed cars or active leases, even if your car’s condition is fine.
requires photo uploads before pickup and only accepts electronic titles from select states, so verify before you start.
- Federal law requires an odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 10 years old, and most buyers handle this at pickup.
- 22 states require you to file a release of liability or notice of transfer with the DMV after the sale to avoid future liability.
- 22 states require a bill of sale as part of the transfer, and 4 of those states (Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska) require it to be notarized.
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Stage 1: What Every Online Car Buyer Needs From You
Before you request a quote from any online buyer, have these ready:
Your car’s title is the most important document. It proves you own the vehicle and must be signed over to the buyer at pickup. If you don’t have one, read our guide on selling a car without a title before going any further.
Valid state-issued photo ID is required for every person listed on the title. All co-owners need to be present at pickup with ID, or someone needs power of attorney to sign on their behalf.
Your VIN is needed to generate an accurate quote. You’ll find it on the dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver’s side) or on the sticker inside the driver’s door frame.
Stage 2: What You Need at Pickup
Pickup day has its own paperwork requirements beyond what you gathered for the quote.
All keys and remotes must be handed over, including spares. Missing keys won’t cancel most junk car sales, but they can affect the offer with buyers like Carvana or CarMax.
Odometer disclosure is required by federal law for most vehicles under 10 years old. You’ll sign a statement confirming the current mileage reading.
Most online buyers include this form in their pickup paperwork, but have your odometer reading ready. Learn what an odometer disclosure statement is and when it’s required.
Bill of sale is generated by the buyer in most cases, but confirm this ahead of time. 22 states require a bill of sale as part of the title transfer.
In Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, and Nebraska, the bill of sale must also be notarized. Your buyer will usually handle this, but know your state’s rules so you’re not surprised.
License plates should come off before the driver arrives in most states. Some states require you to surrender the plates; others let you transfer them to your next vehicle. Check with your state’s DMV.
Stage 3: What to File After the Sale
This is the step most sellers skip, and it’s the one that causes the most problems later. In 22 states, you’re legally required to file a release of liability or notice of transfer with the DMV after you sell. This protects you from tickets, tolls, or other liability tied to the car after ownership changes hands.
Filing deadlines vary by state. California, Idaho, and Washington require filing within 5 days.
Texas, Florida, and Iowa give you up to 30 days. Most states let you file online.
Read the full guide to release of liability forms linked above to check your state’s specific requirement.
You should also keep a copy of the signed title and bill of sale for your records. If a dispute comes up later about who owned the car when, these are your proof.
Learn more: What to Do After Selling Your Car, the full post-sale checklist
Company-Specific Paperwork Requirements
Flexible Buyers: Wheelzy and Peddle
Wheelzy is the most forgiving with paperwork. They’ll still buy your car if you don’t have keys, your registration is expired, or you can’t locate the title in some states. They also won’t change your offer at pickup as long as the car matches your description.
Peddle requires two things: a clear title and a government-issued ID. They won’t buy financed cars or active leases. If your paperwork situation is otherwise messy (expired registration, missing spare key), they’ll work around it, and they’ll tell you upfront what extra forms your state requires.
Stricter Buyers: Carvana and CarMax
Carvana requires photo uploads before pickup: your odometer reading, front and back of your title with all four corners visible, and driver’s licenses for everyone on the title. If you have a loan, they’ll want a payoff statement from your lender. They only accept electronic titles from a small number of states, so call ahead if your state issues digital titles.
CarMax keeps paperwork simpler. Bring your title or payoff information, current registration, and a photo ID for all title holders. All title holders must be present at the appointment.
They don’t require photo uploads like Carvana does, but they’re less flexible when documents are missing.
Other Online Buyers
WeBuyAnyCar has experience with complex ownership situations, including power of attorney, company vehicles, and divorce or estate sales. They require standard title and ID documentation, but they know how to work through unusual paperwork scenarios.
CarGurus connects you with local dealerships, so requirements vary by dealer. You’ll need your VIN or license plate to start the process, then bring the standard documents at pickup. Inherited vehicles or sales on someone else’s behalf may require extra paperwork depending on the specific dealer.
Requirements at a Glance
| Buyer | Title Required? | Photo Uploads? | Handles Liens? | Missing Keys OK? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelzy | Flexible (state-dependent) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Peddle | Yes (clear title only) | No | No | Sometimes |
| Carvana | Yes (strict) | Yes | Yes | No |
| CarMax | Yes | Sometimes | Yes | No |
| WeBuyAnyCar | Yes | No | Yes | Sometimes |
State Requirements That Affect Your Sale
Three state-level requirements can affect your sale regardless of which buyer you choose: notarized titles, bill of sale rules, and release of liability filings.
10 states require your title signature to be notarized: Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wyoming. If you’re in one of these states, get this done before pickup day, not the morning of.
22 states require a bill of sale as part of the transfer. In most cases your buyer provides this document.
In Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, and Nebraska, the bill of sale must also be notarized. Your buyer will usually handle that, but confirm before pickup.
If Your Car Still Has a Loan
Selling a financed car adds a few steps but it’s manageable. Have your lender’s contact information, account number, and current payoff amount ready before you call any buyer.
Most online buyers contact your lender directly to pay off the loan as part of the transaction. Wheelzy can coordinate with your lender, though expect the process to take a bit longer than a clean-title sale. Carvana may ask for a written payoff statement from your bank before pickup.
If you owe more than the car is worth, some buyers can still help. How they handle the difference varies, so ask about their process before you commit.
Special Situations and Extra Paperwork
Selling for a deceased family member requires a death certificate plus proof of legal authority to sell, such as a copy of the will, an Affidavit of Heirship, or executor documents. Requirements vary by state. Get the full guide to selling a deceased person’s car here.
Multiple owners on the title means everyone listed must be present at pickup with a valid ID. If an owner can’t be there, you’ll need a power of attorney document. Learn more about selling a car with multiple owners.
Selling a company vehicle requires business documentation showing you’re authorized to sell. Call your chosen buyer ahead of time to confirm exactly what they need.
If You’re Missing Documents
Can’t find your title: Apply for a replacement through your state’s DMV. Fees and timelines vary a lot by state. Check how to get a replacement title in your state for exact costs and steps.
If you’re selling to Wheelzy, call them first. They can sometimes help you through the process while still moving the sale forward.
Missing registration: Most online buyers can still work with you. Wheelzy specifically accepts expired or missing registration.
Check with your buyer before going through the effort of getting a replacement. You may not need it.
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FAQ
Do I need to file anything with the DMV after selling to an online buyer?
In 22 states, yes. You’re required to file a release of liability or notice of transfer within a set number of days after the sale. This protects you if the new owner gets a ticket or causes an accident before they register the car in their name.
Most buyers won’t remind you to do this. It’s your responsibility to file it. Deadlines range from 5 days (California, Idaho, Washington) to 30 days (Texas, Florida, Iowa) depending on your state.
Does my title need to be notarized before I sell online?
Only if you’re in one of these 10 states: Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Washington, or Wyoming. Your buyer will also confirm what your state requires before scheduling pickup.
What is an odometer disclosure and do I need one?
An odometer disclosure is a signed statement confirming the current mileage of the vehicle. Federal law requires it for most vehicles under 10 years old.
You don’t need to prepare a separate form. Your buyer handles the paperwork at pickup. Just have your current odometer reading ready.
Can I sell my car without a title to an online buyer?
It depends on your state and which buyer you choose. Wheelzy can buy cars without titles in many states, using registration or other proof of ownership. Carvana and CarMax generally require a physical or electronic title.
Call your chosen buyer first. They’ll tell you exactly what your state allows. Our guide on selling without a title covers which states allow it and what proof of ownership each buyer accepts.
What’s the difference between a title and a bill of sale?
Your title is the legal proof of ownership. A bill of sale is a separate transaction record that documents the sale price, date, and both parties’ information.
22 states require a bill of sale to complete the transfer. Your buyer typically provides this at pickup, but you should know your state’s requirements beforehand. In Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, and Nebraska, the bill of sale must be notarized.
Do online car buyers accept electronic titles?
It depends on the buyer. Carvana only accepts electronic titles from select states. Wheelzy and WeBuyAnyCar are more flexible and will work with your state’s DMV to handle the transfer.
Call your buyer and mention your state if you have a digital title. They’ll confirm whether you can proceed or need to print a physical copy first.
Learn more: Which States Offer Electronic Titles?
Can someone else handle the sale for me?
Yes, if you have a valid power of attorney document. The person signing needs legal authority to act on your behalf. Some states require this to be notarized, so check with your buyer before pickup day.
How do I get a replacement title if I lost mine?
Apply through your state’s DMV. Fees vary a lot by state, and processing times range from same-day to several weeks depending on where you live.
If you’re selling to Wheelzy, call them first. They can sometimes move the sale forward while you work on the title replacement. Our replacement title guide has state-by-state steps and fees.
Do I need to provide maintenance records to an online buyer?
No. Online buyers don’t require maintenance records. This is one advantage over private sales, where service history can affect what buyers will pay.
Article Update History
We verified every state requirement in this article against current DMV data for all 50 states, including which states require notarized titles, bills of sale, and release of liability filings.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.