Brad Deery Auto Group

Jul 27, 2022

What Paperwork Do I Need to Sell a Car?

Brad Deery Motors – What Paperwork Do I Need to Sell a Car?

The team at Brad Deery Motors serving drivers in and near Davenport Quad Cities Cedar Rapids knows that the prospect of selling a car can be a bit intimidating and perhaps even confusing for the average person and that you may have questions, such as what paperwork do I need to sell a car. We also know that automotive supply chain issues have increased used car prices and that this is a great time to sell.

It is a good idea to have all of the documents you’ll need to be prepared in advance as it will make everything faster and easier. There are also some documents that you don’t absolutely need but can make the process simpler and perhaps even increase the offer. These include a vehicle history report, all maintenance records and any extended warranty details if applicable.

Car Title

When a customer asks us what paperwork do I need to sell a car near Davenport Quad Cities Cedar Rapids, the car title is our first response. A title serves as proof of ownership. It includes all of the important details, such as the vehicle identification number, and we’ll use it to ensure, for instance, that there are no outstanding liens on the vehicle. If you are missing the title, such as because you lost it, then you will definitely want to go through the process of replacing it before you sell your car.

The title lets a buyer ensure that there are no traffic or toll violations that they might occur. It also lets them ensure that the title can be legally transferred. If you financed your vehicle, then there is a good chance that the lienholder name is on the title and not yours. That is OK! If you recently paid off your loan, then it can help if you have the lien release, but if not, we can acquire it. If there is still money owed on the vehicle, that is OK too. We just have to ensure that the lienholder is paid in full.

Bill Sale

When a person asks what paperwork do I need to sell a car, they may be surprised to learn about a bill of sale. Some states require you as the seller to prepare a bill of sale and to provide to the buyer at the time of purchase. As dealer in Iowa, Brad Deery Motors is required to do this when selling a car. As a private seller, it depends. If you do need one when selling to us, we can actually prepare the bill of sale for you. Note that even if a state does not require one, it is good to make one as a receipt, and if you want to make your own bill of sale, you can download a template from your local DMV.

Proof of Sale

A person wondering what paperwork do I need to sell a car near Quad Cities may also be surprised to learn that they need a proof of sale. This varies from state to state, so be sure to check yours, but a proof of sale is a document that you provide the DMV in order to waive all liabilities associated with the vehicle you have sold.

Other Documents

Comprehensive maintenance documents provide buyers peace of mind and will almost always result in a higher offer. Likewise, a potential buyer will offer more if extended coverage comes with the car, and it is important that you provide them that documentation. You don’t have to worry about bringing us a vehicle history report, but if you are selling to a private buyer, it is highly recommended.

Need Help Selling Your Car?

Brad Deery Motors is a top choice for consumers in and near Davenport Quad Cities Cedar Rapids and the surrounding areas who want to sell their vehicles. We offer top-dollar prices and make the entire process as simple as possible for the seller. If you have questions, such as what paperwork do I need to sell a car near Quad Cities, or need any other assistance, we’re here to help. Visit our location at your convenience. Call our dealership, or send your questions to us via email or text. Also serving Davenport, Bettendorf Iowa, and Rock Island Illinois.

*For general informational purposes. Please contact the dealer for current details.

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