A practical handoff-day checklist

Handoff day is short and mostly administrative. A little preparation keeps it that way.

Before you leave home

• Confirm the location, time and who you are meeting
• Bring the title or lender instructions, your ID and all keys
• Remove toll tags, garage remotes and personal data from the infotainment system
• Take photos of the car and the odometer

At the handoff

Walk the car together, confirm the agreed amount and verify the payment process before signing anything over.

Do not sign the title until the payment is confirmed and understood.

Afterwards

Keep copies of everything you signed, cancel your insurance only once the transfer is complete, and file any release-of-liability your state requires.