No, you generally cannot legally sell a car in Vermont without a title. The certificate of title is the primary document that proves ownership, and its transfer is required by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to complete the sale. Attempting to sell a car without a title can lead to significant legal complications for both the seller and the buyer, including the inability to register the vehicle.
However, Vermont has a specific exception for vehicles that are 15 model years or older. For these older cars, you can use a Bill of Sale instead of a title. The Bill of Sale must include specific details like the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, and signatures from both the seller and buyer.
If your car is newer than 15 years and you've lost the title, you must obtain a duplicate from the Vermont DMV before proceeding with the sale. This involves filling out Form VD-119 (Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title) and paying a fee. If there's a lien on the vehicle, you'll need to get it cleared or involve the lienholder in the process.
For situations where the title is lost and the vehicle is not old enough for a Bill of Sale, another option is a Bonded Title. This involves purchasing a surety bond equal to one-and-a-half times the vehicle's value, which protects the state and any potential previous owners from ownership disputes. This process is more complex and time-consuming.
| Document/Process | Applicable Vehicle Age | Key Requirement | Vermont DMV Form (if applicable) |
|---|
| Certificate of Title | Less than 15 model years | Mandatory for legal sale and registration transfer. | N/A |
| Bill of Sale | 15 model years or older | Acceptable as proof of ownership; must include VIN, sale details, and signatures. | N/A |
| Duplicate Title | Any age (if original is lost) | Required to replace a lost or damaged title before sale. | VD-119 |
| Bonded Title | Any age (complex cases) | Alternative path for untitled vehicles; requires a surety bond. | Varies |
Selling without the proper documentation is risky. The buyer will be unable to register the car, and you could remain legally liable for parking tickets, tolls, or even accidents involving the vehicle you sold. The safest path is always to secure the correct paperwork before listing the car for sale.
