Filling out the pink slip, which is officially known as the certificate of title, is the most critical step in a private car sale. The process involves accurately transferring ownership from you (the seller) to the buyer on the title document itself. Any errors can cause significant delays or even void the sale. The core steps are: verifying the title is in your name and free of liens, filling in the buyer's information and sale price, signing it in the presence of a notary if required by your state, and providing a bill of sale.
First, locate your vehicle's title. Before you write anything, check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and your name and address are correct. Ensure there is no lienholder listed; if there is, you must contact the lender to settle the loan and obtain a lien release before you can legally sell the car.
The transfer section on the back of the title is where you'll fill in the details. You must accurately record the odometer reading at the time of sale. Misrepresenting the mileage is illegal. Then, write the buyer's full legal name and address. You will also typically need to record the sale price. Both you and the buyer must sign and date the title in the designated areas. It is crucial to check your state's specific requirements, as some states require the signature to be notarized. Do not sign the title until you are in front of the notary if this is the case.
As the seller, your responsibility includes providing the signed title to the buyer. You should also create a bill of sale for both parties to keep as a receipt. Finally, you must report the sale to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to release you from future liability for the vehicle. This often involves submitting a release of liability form online or by mail.
| Step | Key Action | Important Consideration | Common State Requirement |
|---|
| 1. Pre-Check | Verify Title Details | Ensure no liens; your info is correct. | Mandatory |
| 2. Odometer | Record Exact Mileage | Must be accurate to avoid legal issues. | Federal Law (Truth in Mileage Act) |
| 3. Buyer Info | Write Buyer's Full Name/Address | Spell correctly to prevent DMV rejection. | Mandatory |
| 4. Sale Price | Enter Agreed Purchase Amount | Used for tax purposes by the buyer. | Required in most states |
| 5. Signatures | Seller (and Buyer) Sign | Must match the name on the title front. | Mandatory |
| 6. Notarization | Have Signature Witnessed | Required in many states (e.g., Florida, Georgia). | State-Specific |
| 7. Bill of Sale | Create a Separate Document | Serves as a receipt; details the transaction. | Recommended for all sales |
| 8. Release of Liability | Notify DMV of Sale | Protects you from tickets or fines after sale. | Highly Recommended |
