can you sell car without pink slip

[DiJayce]

No, you generally cannot legally sell a car without the pink slip, which is the common term for the vehicle's certificate of title. The title is the primary legal document that proves you are the owner and have the right to transfer ownership. Attempting a sale without it will likely prevent the transaction from being completed at the DMV, leaving the buyer unable to register the car and leaving you, the seller, potentially still legally and financially responsible for it.

The core issue is transfer of ownership. When a buyer purchases a car, they must take the signed title to their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to register the vehicle in their name. Without this document, the DMV will not process the registration. This creates significant problems for the buyer and opens you up to liability. If the buyer gets parking tickets or is involved in an incident, the vehicle could still be traced back to you as the last registered owner.

There are, however, specific procedures to follow if the title is lost or misplaced. You must apply for a duplicate title from your local DMV before the sale. This process involves completing a form, providing identification, and paying a small fee. The time to receive a duplicate varies by state but typically takes a few weeks. It is far safer to delay the sale than to proceed without the proper paperwork.

Some private buyers might suggest using a bill of sale alone, but this is not a substitute for a title. A bill of sale is a supplementary document that records the transaction details, such as the sale price, date, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), but it does not legally transfer ownership. Selling a car without a title is a major red flag for any knowledgeable buyer, as it can indicate an unresolved lien, a salvaged history, or even that the vehicle is stolen.

Scenario	Is a Sale Possible?	Primary Risk	Required Action
Title in your possession	Yes, legally.	None if properly signed over.	Sign the title over to the buyer.
Lost or Misplaced Title	Not immediately.	Sale cannot be finalized at DMV.	Apply for a duplicate title from the DMV first.
Title with a Lienholder	Yes, with extra steps.	The lien must be paid off to release the title.	Pay off the loan, get the title from the lienholder, then sell.
No Title, Only Bill of Sale	Not legally.	Buyer cannot register car; seller retains liability.	Do not proceed. Obtain the title first.

[SarahRose]

Absolutely not. Think of the pink slip as the car's birth certificate. No serious buyer will hand you cash without it because they can't put the car in their name at the DMV. If you lost it, just go down to the DMV and get a duplicate. It's a hassle, but it's the only way to do it right. Trying to sell without it is just asking for trouble—you could still be on the hook for tickets or worse if the new owner gets in a wreck.

[SanCassandra]

From a buyer's perspective, a seller without a title is a massive red flag. It immediately makes me question if there's a loan against the car that wasn't paid off, or if the vehicle has a salvaged title they're trying to hide. I would walk away from the deal immediately. A legitimate seller has their paperwork in order. The only exception might be if they've already applied for a duplicate and can show me the DMV receipt.