Selling a car privately in North Carolina involves a straightforward process centered on properly transferring the title and providing a notarized odometer disclosure. The key steps are preparing the vehicle, finding a buyer, and completing the required paperwork with the NCDMV to release you from liability. The entire process can take from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly you find a serious buyer.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
You'll need the car’s title (also known as the certificate of title). If you have a loan on the car, you must pay it off and obtain the title from the lienholder before you can sell. You should also have your vehicle’s maintenance records ready to show potential buyers.
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle
A clean car sells faster. Consider getting a pre-sale inspection from a trusted mechanic; this report can justify your asking price and build buyer confidence. Take clear, well-lit photos of the exterior, interior, and engine bay.
Step 3: Determine the Price and Advertise
Research similar cars for sale in your area on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and AutoTrader to set a competitive price. Be honest in your listing about the car's condition, features, and any known issues.
Step 4: Complete the Sale and Paperwork
This is the most critical part for complying with NC law. You and the buyer must complete two main documents:
- Title Transfer: On the back of the title, fill in the sale date, odometer reading, selling price, and the buyer’s full name and address. Both you (the seller) and the buyer must sign in the designated areas.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement: North Carolina requires a notarized odometer statement for most vehicles under 16,000 lbs. The title often has a section for this. If not, you can use a separate DMV form. Both parties must sign this in the presence of a notary public.
You should also create a Bill of Sale for your records. While not always mandatory, it’s excellent proof of the transaction. It should include vehicle details (VIN, make, model, year), names and addresses of both parties, the sale date, and the final price.
Step 5: Release Liability
After the sale, you must complete a Notice of Transfer (MVR-46) form and submit it to the NCDMV. This officially informs the state that you are no longer the owner, protecting you from future parking tickets or liability. You should also remove the license plate from the vehicle before the buyer drives away.
| Step | Document/Action | Key Details | NC-Specific Requirement |
|---|
| 1 | Obtain Title | Essential for transfer; payoff loan if necessary. | Must be the original NC title. |
| 2 | Vehicle History Report | Services like Carfax build trust. | Not legally required, but highly recommended. |
| 3 | Set Asking Price | Use Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for valuation. | Sales tax is the buyer's responsibility. |
| 4 | Odometer Statement | Record accurate mileage at time of sale. | Must be notarized for most vehicles. |
| 5 | Bill of Sale | Serves as a receipt for both parties. | Recommended but not mandatory for sellers. |
| 6 | Title Transfer | Sign over the title to the new owner. | Both seller and buyer must sign. |
| 7 | Notice of Transfer (MVR-46) | Submitting this releases seller liability. | Crucial step; submit to NCDMV promptly. |
| 8 | Remove License Plate | Keep your plate; do not leave it on the car. | Required by law; the buyer gets new plates. |
