State-specific guides
Selling a car by state
Title transfer, inspection, smog, and documentation requirements vary by state. We cover the 5 states with the most distinctive processes; the remaining 45 states share the standard private-sale flow described in our universal private-seller guide.
California
CACalifornia has the largest used-car market in the US and the strictest smog requirements. Both the seller and buyer must complete specific steps before the title transfers cleanly.
State guideTexas
TXTexas has a large private-sale market with simpler title transfer than California. The 30-day buyer registration window and the seller’s Vehicle Transfer Notification are the two important deadlines.
State guideFlorida
FLFlorida has a high-volume used-car market with strong import / export activity. The state’s salvage title disclosure laws and the no-fault insurance system create specific documentation expectations.
State guideNew York
NYNew York requires a notarized signature on the title for transfer. The state also has high-volume used-car sales in the NYC metro market with tight registration timelines.
State guidePennsylvania
PAPennsylvania requires annual state inspection and emissions inspection in most counties. The state’s title transfer process requires both buyer and seller to appear before a notary or designated AAA / messenger service.
State guideYour state not listed?
The remaining states use the standard US private-sale process. Follow our universal private-seller guide and check your state DMV website for any specific forms.