Questions related to selling a car (sales, insurance, transfer)

[poochcol]

Hi; selling a car for the first time. My questions are mostly related to a particular site that gave information on what to do in selling a car. I'll bullet them:

1. What should I use for a bill of sale? Is it necessary?
2. Is Form DTF-802 necessary, related to proof of purchase price?
3. Must the license plates be turned into the DMV, as one site implies for NY, or they can be transferred?
4. What do I have to do for the new owner so that they can drive the car legally when I hand them the keys?

I may have more questions later. Thanks in advance.

[ocabrera7]

I don't have all the answers but I can answer a couple:
1) a piece of paper signed by both buyer and seller is necessary (2 pieces) states the sales price and VIN#, miles, etc. A clean title will have to be given to the buyer upon sale completion. I am not sure if DMV uses bills of sales anymore but it is a receipt so it is good to have nayway.
2) no idea
3)it is much easier to return your plates and re-register the new car I believe so I would say yes.
4)It is best to just drive the car (while it is still registered and insured by you) to ther drivers place of residence and drop the car off. Then you take your registration and plates and wave goodbye with your cash in hand....do not accept personal checks just bank checks or cash.

[Gpsma]

Just a little addition to the answer above for question 4. SCRAPE the registration sticker off your car window. Do not leave it with the new owner.

[Elke Mariotti]

Originally Posted by ocabrera7

3) your plates

4) do not accept personal checks just bank checks or cash.

DO return your plates - the receipt you get from the DMV will serve as proof that you no longer own the car, which you will need for the insurance company; they won't stop "the clock" until you show proof you no longer own it.

Even bank checks are not 100% foolproof - I know of someone who thought all was well, but when they deposited the bank check, it turned out to be fictitious. My recommendation: CASH ONLY

[Elke Mariotti]

Originally Posted by Gpsma

Just a little addition to the answer above for question 4. SCRAPE the registration sticker off your car window. Do not leave it with the new owner.

Great advice! Reps to you
I learned the hard way Left it on the car and started to get NYC parking violation notices! (Had never taken the car into the City
Took a long time to prove that I was not the culprit because I had sold the car WAY before the parking violations occurred.

[poochcol]

Originally Posted by ocabrera7

I don't have all the answers but I can answer a couple:
1) a piece of paper signed by both buyer and seller is necessary (2 pieces) states the sales price and VIN#, miles, etc. A clean title will have to be given to the buyer upon sale completion. I am not sure if DMV uses bills of sales anymore but it is a receipt so it is good to have nayway.
2) no idea
3)it is much easier to return your plates and re-register the new car I believe so I would say yes.
4)It is best to just drive the car (while it is still registered and insured by you) to ther drivers place of residence and drop the car off. Then you take your registration and plates and wave goodbye with your cash in hand....do not accept personal checks just bank checks or cash.

Originally Posted by Elke Mariotti

DO return your plates - the receipt you get from the DMV will serve as proof that you no longer own the car, which you will need for the insurance company; they won't stop "the clock" until you show proof you no longer own it.

Even bank checks are not 100% foolproof - I know of someone who thought all was well, but when they deposited the bank check, it turned out to be fictitious. My recommendation: CASH ONLY

Where can I obtain a "bill of sale" document? Why would anyone only transfer plates if it doesn't remove insurance requirements on the former car? Thanks.

[kayfouroh]

all you need for a bill of sale is both parties' names, the VIN/car description (i.e. year make model), price (this is what the buyer will pay tax on when going to register), and signatures. I'd take a copy of their driver's license as well.

[7CatMom]

Go to the NYSDMV website and they will have all the info you need there. And you can print out any forms you might need as well.

Bill of Sale can be on any piece of paper. DMV wants it for tax purposes for the buyer. Make sure date, sale price, VIN, signatures of you and buyer are on it.

Turn in your plates - you can get a refund of any "unused" registration fees. Scrape off your sticker. Cancel the insurance on it after the sale. You will have to turn in the receipt from DMV to your insurance co after you hand over your plates.

[bagpiper]

- Scrape off all stickers (Registration/Inspection)
- Turn in plates, especially before you cancel you insurance. DMV will suspend your license if you cancel insurance and keep plates.
- Bill of sale is mainly for new owner (sales tax), nothing wrong with two copies
- Photocopy/good cell phone photo of the clean title after the new owner signs it/odometer - Do not leave it blank or take no for an answer !