How to Sell a Car in District Of Columbia
The steps and process for selling a vehicle online are different in every state. Learn how to sell your used car or truck privately in D.C.
Yes, we know that D.C. isn’t a state but given its unique status along with D.C.’s particular rules around vehicle titling and registration, we wanted to ensure that if you live in District of Columbia and are thinking about privately selling your used car or truck, you’d have the right resources. With an estimated 700,000 residents and approximately 360,000 registered trucks and cars in the District of Columbia, it is no wonder that thousands of private car owners from the nation’s capital have used Autotrader to sell their car. Below, we’ve outlined the six steps and forms required for how to sell a car in D.C. so you can sell your car quickly for the most cash.
It is important to remember that in D.C., a private individual may sell up to five vehicles each calendar year without a dealer license assuming all vehicles are titled in your name. D.C, like most states, considers the vehicle title a legal document, so the legal names (no nicknames) of both parties involved should be used, along with legible handwriting using black or blue ink. Mistakes, errors and the use of white out may void the document so be careful and take your time filling it out.
Step 1: Allow the buyer to have the car inspected by a third party
Step 2: Organize and gather all related vehicle documentation
Step 3: Bill of Sale
Step 4: Transfer the title
Step 5: Remove your plates and cancel your insurance
Step 6: Request a refund of registration
Step 1: Allow the buyer to have the car inspected by a third party
Many vehicle shoppers who buy a car privately pay for a pre-purchase vehicle inspection conducted by a qualified and licensed auto mechanic of their choosing. Although the buyer pays for this inspection, the seller and buyer must agree on when and where the inspection is to be held. If the inspection does find any issues with the car, it is a good idea for you as the seller to keep the report for your records.
Step 2: Organize and gather all related vehicle documentation
Find all maintenance records, the owner’s manual and other paperwork related to the vehicle. If you can provide the buyer with extensive and detailed maintenance records, this will help provide the buyer with confidence that you’ve maintained the car in a proper and regular manner. You may even want to consider including a vehicle history report from a service like CarFax or AutoCheck. When you sell your car on Autotrader, a free vehicle history report is automatically included.
In D.C., you’re vehicle emission inspection can transfer to the buyer so make sure the existing inspection sticker is still on the car since it is still valid until it expires. Personal vehicle inspections are valid for two years in D.C. If there is a lien on the title, the lienholder must release interest in the vehicle before the car is sold. This can be achieved either by the seller paying off the car or by getting a lien release from the lienholder. If you've lost your vehicle's registration card or sticker, you can order a replacement card online.
Step 3: Bill of Sale
Although a bill of sale is not legally required for private car sales in D.C., it may still be a good idea to use one. You can use a service like LegalZoom to print a bill of sale that you and your buyer can fill out and sign. As a best practice, all owner names from the vehicle title should be also named on the Bill of Sale. The same goes for the name(s) of buyer(s). After this is complete, it’s a good idea for you, the seller, to make a copy of the bill of sale that you can hold on to as evidence that the car has legally changed hands. Additionally, the Bill of Sale does not need to be witnessed by a notary.
Step 4: Transfer the title
The most important document when selling a car is the D.C. vehicle title. If the vehicle’s title has been lost, stolen or badly damaged and there is no lien on the vehicle, you can apply for a duplicate replacement title online. You'll have to submit a Certificate of Title - Temporary Tag Application, along with a valid photo identification of the vehicle owner(s) and either the vehicle identification number, DC DM title number or vehicle tag number. It generally takes seven to ten business days to be processed after your application has been received.
If there are two (2) owners joined by the conjunction “and” or with no conjunction between the names shall have tenancy in common ownership rights and both owners (sellers) shall be required to sign the title application. Two (2) owners joined by the conjunction “or” or “and/or” shall have joint tenancy ownership rights with rights of survivorship and only one (1) owner (seller) shall be required to sign the title. Remember, at least one of the vehicle owner’s must be a District resident to register a vehicle. Only the resident of D.C. will be listed on the vehicle registration. On the back of the D.C. vehicle title, complete the Certification of Odometer Mileage space.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) odometer disclosure requirements were updated in December 2020 impacting certain private vehicle sales in Alaska: For a vehicle transfer that occurs from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2030, any vehicle of model year 2011 or newer (2012, 2013, etc.) will require odometer disclosure. Starting on January 1, 2031, any vehicle that is less than 20 model years old will require an odometer disclosure. Previously, the NHTSA required disclosure was for only the first 10 years. Cars older than 2010 are exempt from odometer disclosures.
When gifting a car to a relative, you can follow the same process that is outlined here to transfer the title. If you are inheriting or acquiring a vehicle after the owner's death, D.C.'s DMV provides an overview and the process required for a vehicle acquired through the death of an owner.
Step 5: Remove your plates and cancel your insurance
In D.C, the seller must remove their license plates before handing the vehicle over to the buyer. If you do not do so, you may be liable for any violations after the buyer has taken possession of the vehicle. If you're not transfering your plates to a replacement vehicle, you must surrender the plates to a D.C. DMV either in person or by mail. You can start the online tag cancellation process yourself. The buyer will need to visit a DMV service center to obtain a temporary D.C. registration to take the vehicle through inspection at an inspection station once you remove your license tags. Make sure to cancel your insurance as soon as possible after you’ve removed your plates so you don’t continue paying to insure a car that you no longer own.
Step 6: Request a refund of registration
If you have more than six months remaining on your vehicle's registration and you are not planning to transfer the registration to another vehicle, you can request a pro-rated refund. Refunds are only given in six month increments. Parking permits and inspection fees do not qualify for refunds.
For more information, visit the D.C. DMV website at https://dmv.dc.gov/.
Questions about selling your car in D.C.? We have answers.
What are the steps to sell a car privately in D.C.?
These are the key steps to sell a car in the District of Columbia:
- Allow the buyer to have the car inspected
- Organize and gather all vehicle documentation including the valid emissions inspection sticker
- Transfer the title
- Remove your license plate from the vehicle
- The seller must then cancel their vehicle insurance
- Request a prorated refund of the vehicle's registration (if applicable)
Do I remove my license plate when I sell a car in D.C.?
Yes. The seller must remove their license plates before the vehicle sale is completed but before your insurance is cancelled.
Do I need to have a bill of sale when privately selling a car in D.C.?
No. A Bill of Sale is not legally required for private party vehicle transfers in the District of Columbia, however lots of buyers and sellers agree to use one.
Does a vehicle bill of sale have to be notarized in D.C.?
No. When you privately sell a car in D.C., the bill of sale does not need to be notarized. Some buyers and sellers do so anyways as it can add another level of protection to both parties.
Can I get a refund from vehicle registration fees?
Yes. When you sell the vehicle, if you have six or more months of registration left you are entitled to a refund. Refunds are only given in increments of six months at a time. Parking permits and inspection fees are not refundable.
Does a vehicle title need to be notarized in D.C.?
No. A notary does not need to witness the buyer and seller signing the vehicle title during a private party sale.
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