Selling a Car

You can sell your car as is...after you buy a car, you have a small leeway of time before you have to register it, so that's on the buying party.

However, make SURE you have them fill out the transfer of title (the card on your title) and mail it in RIGHT AWAY. Here's my semi-horror story.

I sold my car a few years ago for 600 (it was old and worn) and filled out the card, had them sign it, sent it in, and was done. I didn't keep any record of who I sold it to, etc...it was a cash sale to (just being honest) an illegal immigrant.

A few months later, he was in a hit and run accident with it. He never went to re-register the car, so the car he hit's insurance company called me. I was the only name they had. I have this lady from the insurance literally calling all day long, harrassing me, threatening me, saying they're going to sue, etc...and I did NOTHING wrong.

Finally, I called the police to see if the car came back to my name...gave them the plates...it didn't come back to me, it came back to him. So, the insurance company's just going off whatever screwed up system they're using...but the police couldn't give me a name. So I had the insurance lady call our police to request the information, and the police kindly informed her if I EVER heard from her again I was going to sue HER for harrassment. It was seriously the worst day I'd had in such a long time...

The only reason I say all this is because really, in used cars sold from seller to buyer, things happen. So do everything you can to protect yourself!

If your registration hasnt expired yet, the buyer should be told it needs to be paid by the certain date and let him know how much it is and they can decide knowing this is an added cost. If its possible for you to pay, so theres no fine or penalty for late payment, then when you sell it, you show the buyer the DMV papers showing the date and cost and add that to the cost of the sale. That way you sell the car for the price you want, but also recoop your tag fees.
Years ago we were thinking about buying a car that hadnt been registered in 4 years. I called DMV and asked them about it. I was told, if I bought the car, I would then be responsible for ALL BACK FEES that hadnt been paid by the former owner. This was in CA, so it might be different where you are.
Only deal with local people who you meet face to face. Dont agree to anything where they claim someone will come over and get it and they will send the money or give that person a check. If they want to pay with a check, meet them at their bank and let them cash the check and give you cash. Too many times youll find out the check bounces or is from an acct that doesnt exsist and you are out the money from your own acct.

I don't think you need it registered but people are going to want to test drive it I would hate to be responsible for fines for driving an unregistered car or even worse someone test driving gets into an accident with it.

I would only take cash for the car to avoid a scam. We recently bought a used car and most if the ads we saw said no cash no test drive and don't blame the seller it would suck if the interested party totaled the car.

If by saying it is not registered you mean you didn't renew your plates then you can sell it without renewing. If by not registered you mean you didn't transfer the title into your name then no.

I had a boss who sold hers with expired tags and got in an accident delivering it to the new owner so beware of anyone driving it with expired tags AT ALL. She ended up losing the buyer and having big tickets to pay for the expired tags (she also was given community service, must have really ticked off the jodge). I also have been told by good sources to get the persons license from them before allowing them to test drive it. If the license does not look legit and/or they don't have insurance don't allow them to have it for a test drive. I have also been told its a little bit of a risk or possibly a big risk to ride with them on the test drive. You are taking a chance that they may make a copy of the key while out on a test drive THAT IS WHY YOU GET A LEGIT LICENSE from them but its a bigger risk they hurt you in an accident while on a test drive. Not trying to discourage your sale just want you to do it eyes wide open

I would go to Carmax first to see how much they would give you for the car - this way you don't need to worry about getting scammed...

If you choose to sell it yourself...I would ensure that it is currently insured and registered with any emissions tests being done..yes, I realize you are going to sell it - but having everything current may encourage a private buyer more...

If you are allowing a test drive - ensure that your spouse has a copy of the drivers license from the potential buyer...I personally wouldn't let them take my car by themselves...

http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/vehiclevesseldealer/dlrdea...

this is what I came up with when I did a search on WA DMV. browse the site to see what you find...

How to report the sale of a vehicle

File online.
Note: You can’t report the sale of a boat online. Please see Report the sale of a boat to learn how to file a Vessel Report of Sale.
File at a vehicle licensing office (additional service fees may apply).

To file you’ll need:

The date of the sale or transfer.
Your name and address.
The name and address of the person the vehicle was sold or transferred to.
The vehicle identification number (VIN).
The vehicle license plate number.

Why you should file

As the seller, you’re responsible for filing the report of sale. If you don’t file, you may be held liable for civil or criminal liabilities incurred by the new owner.

The new owner is responsible for transferring the title. See transferring ownership into your name.

If you have had the car registered in the past then it does not need to be registered again in your name. The buyers do that. Sometimes a buyer will ask if you can put in through safety and emissions. That is up to you. I just sold a car yesterday and I would only take cash. If the people want to test drive it make sure that you have their vehicle and keys.