can you sell car pass registration dealer

[SanSteven]

Yes, you can absolutely sell your car and have the dealer handle the registration and title transfer paperwork for the new buyer. This is a standard and highly recommended service, often called an "on-the-spot" or "dealer-assisted" transfer. The core benefit is that the dealer acts as a licensed third party, ensuring the legally required documentation is processed correctly with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which significantly reduces your liability after the sale.

When you sell your car to a dealership, either as a trade-in or a direct sale, they take full responsibility for the title transfer. The process is seamless for you. You sign over the vehicle's title to the dealer, and they handle the rest. However, the scenario is different if you sell your car to a private party but use the dealer as a processing intermediary. Some dealers offer this as a paid service to facilitate private sales. They ensure the bill of sale is correct, verify the odometer disclosure statement, and submit the necessary paperwork to the DMV on behalf of both you and the buyer. This minimizes the risk of errors that could leave you legally responsible for parking tickets or accidents involving the car you no longer own.

The critical step for you, as the seller, is to officially notify your state's DMV of the sale. Even when using a dealer, you should complete a "Notice of Transfer of Liability" or its equivalent. This document severs your connection to the vehicle in the state's records the moment it is sold. You must also keep a copy of the bill of sale and the signed title.

Step	Your Responsibility	Dealer's Role	Why It Matters
Title Transfer	Sign the title over to the dealer/buyer.	Submit the signed title to the DMV to update ownership.	Legally transfers ownership; protects you from future liability.
Registration	None. The new owner handles new registration.	Often issues a temporary registration tag for the buyer.	Allows the new owner to drive the car legally immediately.
Odometer Disclosure	Accurately report the mileage on the title.	Verify and submit the odometer statement to the DMV.	Federal law requirement; prevents fraud.
License Plates	Remove your plates (in most states).	Advise on state-specific plate retention laws.	You typically keep your plates; they are not transferred with the car.
Sale Notification	File a "Notice of Sale" or "Release of Liability" with the DMV.	May provide a completed bill of sale for your records.	Officially informs the DMV you are no longer the owner.

[LaMalachi]

Just went through this. Sold my old SUV to a dealer last month. The finance guy handled everything. I signed the title, they handed me a check, and that was it. A week later, I got confirmation from the DMV that the title was transferred. The peace of mind was worth it. No worrying about whether the buyer would actually file the paperwork. If you’re selling private party, it’s more nerve-wracking. The dealer method is clean and simple.

[DiVera]

The key is understanding the difference between selling to a dealer and selling through one. Selling your car directly to a dealership is the most straightforward path. They become the new owner and handle all DMV filings. If you're selling to a private buyer but want professional paperwork handling, some dealers offer a facilitation service for a fee. They'll ensure the bill of sale and title transfer are executed perfectly. Always get a detailed receipt and file a release of liability with the DMV yourself immediately after the sale, regardless of the dealer's involvement.