What is what to do when you buy a car from someone?

Okay, here's some information on what to do after buying a car from a private seller, formatted in Markdown with WikiWhat-style links:

What To Do After Buying a Car From a Private Seller

After you've agreed on a price and completed the sale with a private seller, there are several important steps to take to legally transfer ownership and get the car on the road.

  • Obtain a Bill of Sale: Ensure you receive a properly filled out Bill of Sale from the seller. This document serves as proof of purchase, including the date of sale, purchase price, names and addresses of the buyer and seller, and a description of the vehicle (VIN, make, model, year).

  • Transfer the Title: This is perhaps the most crucial step. The seller must properly sign over the Title to you, including the odometer reading (if applicable). You then need to take the title to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency to officially transfer the title into your name. Make sure the information on the title matches the vehicle.

  • Vehicle Inspection: Depending on your state or local regulations, you may be required to have the car inspected for Vehicle%20Inspection before you can register it. Check with your local DMV for specific requirements.

  • Register the Vehicle: Once you have the title and have passed any required inspections, you need to register the car with your local DMV. You'll likely need to provide the title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and payment for registration fees and taxes. After Vehicle%20Registration, you'll receive license plates and a registration card.

  • Get Car Insurance: Before you drive the car off the seller's property, ensure you have Car%20Insurance. Driving without insurance is illegal in most places. Contact your insurance provider to add the new vehicle to your policy.

  • Pay Sales Tax: Depending on where you live, you may have to pay Sales%20Tax on the purchase. This is usually collected when you register the car at the DMV.

  • Review Vehicle History: Even after the purchase, it's a good idea to run a Vehicle%20History%20Report (like Carfax or AutoCheck) to confirm there are no hidden issues with the car's past, such as accidents or title problems. Although, doing this before the purchase is best.

  • Keep Records: Maintain copies of all documents related to the sale, including the bill of sale, title, registration, insurance information, and inspection reports. These will be helpful for future reference.