Selling a car in Georgia involves a straightforward process centered on properly handling the title, known as the Certificate of Title. The core requirement is signing the title over to the new owner and submitting a Notice of Sale to the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) to release you from liability. The essential steps are: determining your car's value, preparing the necessary paperwork, safely negotiating the sale, and formally transferring ownership.
First, establish a fair asking price. Use online valuation tools from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or Edmunds, considering your vehicle's condition, mileage, and any unique features. Gather all your records, including maintenance receipts, which can justify a higher price to a savvy buyer.
Next, prepare the vehicle and the paperwork. A clean car, inside and out, makes a strong first impression. The critical documents are:
- The original, signed Georgia Certificate of Title.
- A Bill of Sale. While not legally mandatory, it's highly recommended as it records the sale price and date, protecting both parties.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement. This is required by federal law for vehicles under 16,000 lbs and is often printed directly on the Georgia title.
Once you have a buyer, arrange a safe, public meeting place for the test drive. If financing is involved, it's safest to complete the transaction at the buyer's bank to ensure the funds are verified. For payment, a cashier's check or direct bank transfer is more secure than personal checks.
The most critical step happens after the sale. As the seller, you must complete and submit the Notice of Sale (Form T-7) to the DOR. This can be done online or by mail. This action officially informs the state that you are no longer the owner, protecting you from any parking tickets or violations associated with the vehicle after the sale date. The buyer is responsible for registering the vehicle in their name.
| Step | Key Document/Action | Purpose & Important Details |
|---|
| Valuation | Online appraisal (KBB/Edmunds) | Set a competitive, realistic price based on market data. |
| Vehicle Prep | Maintenance records, thorough cleaning | Increases buyer confidence and potential sale price. |
| Title Transfer | Signing the Certificate of Title | Legally transfers ownership. Must be signed exactly as your name appears on the title. |
| Odometer Reading | Odometer Disclosure | Federal law requirement to certify the mileage at the time of sale. |
| Sale Record | Bill of Sale (Form T-7) | Provides a record of the transaction for both buyer and seller. |
| Seller's Release | Submit Notice of Sale to GA DOR | Releases seller from liability for the vehicle after the sale date. |
