What paperwork do you need to sell your car online?

Want to sell something online? Simple. But if you’re selling a car, there are a few more hoops to jump through than dropping some Dunks on DePop or shifting an Xbox on eBay.

Here at Peddle, we make car sales as smooth as flipping sneaks, but you’ll still need to comply with your state's legal requirements—and that means ticking off a bit of paperwork.

Some states require a bill of sale and others require that the auto title is notarized to transfer ownership. Glazing over? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down everything you need to know to sell your car online. We’re sure you can handle it (and if you’re still confused, just get in touch with our customer service A-team).

find your auto title

First and foremost—find your title. This is the legal document that lists the owners of a car and you need this to transfer the ownership. If you need to request a new title, you’ll need to contact your state’s DMV.

look up if you have to notarize or sign your title

This varies by state, so take a quick look at our handy title guide to confirm whether you need to sign your title before handing it over.

check if you need a bill of sale

Some states require car owners to also deliver a bill of sale, which you can usually download and print for free from your state’s DMV website. The states that have this requirement as of June 2023 are:

Alabama

Arkansas

Colorado

Connecticut

Hawaii

Idaho

Maine

Nebraska

New York

Ohio

Rhode Island

South Dakota

Vermont

Washington

West Virginia

Wyoming

check if there is a lien on your vehicle

If someone has borrowed money to buy a car, and there is an outstanding debt, then the lender will place a lien on the vehicle.

If your car is paid off, but is showing an active lien from a previous owner, then you’ll need to get a lien release before you can sell it to Peddle. You can find out the name of the lienholder by checking the title record and if necessary request a lien release.

assemble your maintenance records

Arranging a private sale? Gather all your maintenance records. These are important for proving the car’s value. At Peddle we’ll let you keep those old mechanic receipts (or shred ‘em, we’re easy).

Selling a car online has never been easier—and depending on your state requirements it can range from fast, to super fast. At Peddle we want to make it lightspeed. Our instant offer tool means you can get an valuation in minutes and could be collecting a check within days. And if it’s paperwork getting you down, we’re on call 24/7 to keep the deal moving.