How to Sell a Car Without a Title

Selling a car without a title is a bit tough because you must follow the law. By using these tips to sell your car without a title, you can realize your goal -- whether that goal is to make profit or just to rid yourself of a lemon.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Visit your Department of Motor Vehicles (or Department of Public Safety, depending on your state) and the legalities involved in selling your car without a title. Certain procedures will have to be followed in order to transfer the ownership of your car.

2. Contact the car’s lender and find out if there is a lien on your car. This is the primary reason you wouldn't have a title. If a lien is on your car, you must have the car’s lender release the lien on your vehicle before you can legally transfer ownership. You may need to pay off a loan before the lender will release the lien.

3. Consult the buyer and make sure he or she is aware you do not have possession of the title. If money is owed on the car, the buyer can pay the lender so that the lender can release the lien as a part of the overall transaction. You and the buyer can also agree to split the amount of the lien on the car.

4. Draw up a simple contract with the buyer. Include any warranties, payment details and other pertinent information.

5. Complete your transaction. At this point, any potential liens should be settled one way or another and you should have a title. After you have received payment from the buyer for the car and have signed over the title, your transaction is complete. Save a copy of the bill of sale or other receipt for your records.

Resources

• Get tips about how to sell a used car.
• Check out DMV.org for information on buying and selling cars.