Can I sell a car with an expired registration?

If you have an extra car lying around the yard you're not driving, it's probably because you still need to register it. The likely cause is that it doesn't run or it's from another state. You have a few options on what to do next—the far too common one is that your car becomes abstract lawn decor, or you aim to sell it. Whatever the case, here are a few wise words about turning that tagless car into cash.

State by state

Besides Washington state, it's legal to sell a car that's not registered. That said, each state has its own rules. Some give the green light if you're in the process of renewing the registration, while others charge a fee. To avoid any snags, check with your local DMV for what to do.

Except for Washington, it's legal to sell a car that's not registered. That said, each state has its own rules. Some give the green light if you're in the process of renewing, while others charge a fee. To avoid any snags, check with your local DMV for what to do.

Registration vs title

A car title proves ownership, while the registration determines if you can legally drive your car, which needs to be renewed annually. Your registration contains information about the vehicle, including the vehicle identification number, names it's registered under, address, license plate number, vehicle make and model, registration number, and expiration date. They're both official documents, so don't lose 'em.

Re-up your registration

Your best bet is to renew your car's registration. Although this may seem like a thorn in your side, having your registration up to snuff can smooth out the selling process and make your car easy on the eyes of buyers.

Get a temporary permit

If renewing the registration isn't on the cards due to time or cost, you could apply for a temporary operating permit. This allows the car to be legally driven for a short period, usually enough to complete the sale.

Be upfront with buyers

Honesty is the best policy when selling a car with expired tags. Let potential buyers know the situation. This will help build trust and set the table for what's to come. Be ready to explain why the registration has expired and if you're willing to bend on the price.

Handle the paperwork

This includes the title, bill of sale, and other necessary documents. When the buyer takes possession of the car, they will need to handle the title transfer, so it's a big deal to provide them with all the correct info.

If tackling all this seems like a headache, no big whoop—sell your car to Peddle. As long as you have a clean title, we'll jump through the hoops for you.