The paperwork to gather before you sell

Paperwork is where an otherwise smooth sale usually slows down. Collecting it early costs you an evening and removes most of the risk.

What to have ready

• The title, or your lender's payoff instructions if the car is financed
• A valid photo ID matching the name on the title
• Service and repair receipts
• All keys and remotes
• The owner's manual and any accessories that belong with the car

If more than one name is on the title

Both parties usually need to sign. Check whether your state requires the signatures together, and whether a notary is involved.

The document you cannot find on handoff day is the one that reschedules the sale.

Protect your personal information

Before sharing photos of documents, cover account numbers and anything not required. Remove toll tags, garage remotes and paired phones from the car before you hand it over.