Are you looking to find out how to sell a car in Texas? If you’re willing to put in a little time and research, selling your car in Dallas, or any other area in Texas, doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, the more you know, the easier the car selling process will be in the end. If you’re ready to put in the effort to plan and prepare before even posting a car for sale in Texas, then we’ve got all the information you need to make it happen.
Check out these tips on how to sell a car to make the process as smooth as possible.
Paperwork & Forms Needed To Sell Your Car In Texas
The first thing to remember when selling your car is that your paperwork must be in order. All Texas counties require that you complete an application for Texas Certificate of Title and provide a title for your vehicle that includes accurate evidence of the odometer reading when you sell your car. On the Texas Certificate of Title, also known as Form 130-U, you must include a signature and the final sale price of your car for sale. This certificate then serves as your bill of sale. You should also have a document or documents that reference dealership information if applicable, purchase amount, the transaction, warranty, the persons name, address, the contact information of all parties involved, for example, a spouse, vehicle identification information, mileage, signatures, etc. Be sure to make copies of these documents before you sell your car!
How it works: the new car owner should then contact the DMV to get a title transfer, title certificate, and a certified copy of title or a VTR-34. However, is it possible to register a car with no title? The law will vary from state to state, if you want to know how to sell your car in Fort Worth or any other area in Texas without a title, we have the Texas motor vehicle information for you.
Once you’ve finalized all of the car sales details on your end, the new owner of the vehicle should do the following:
It’s important they go to a county tax office to meet with a county tax assessor-collector, they provide most vehicle title and registration services. Keep in mind if you have any toll violations or tickets you will need to pay those off first. A Texas motor vehicle notification will appear when the car’s title is changed. This will lower the risk of penalty and an avoidable charge.
- Stop in at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to inquire about the paperwork required to register a car without a title
- Bring credentials, such as a drivers license and an insurance card to the Texas DMV for registration
- Ask the seller to complete a vehicle title application for a duplicate title (keep in mind that some states require that this application is notarized)
- Inquire at the Texas DMV whether the new owner or the seller needs to get a smog certificate
- Fill out details about the car for sale in Texas, including the VIN, date of sale, odometer disclosure and price of the vehicle. Be sure the cars sales price and taxes are included.
- Pay the applicable costs to register a car without a title in Texas
- A lien release needs to be signed as well!
When registering a vehicle without a title, keep in mind that the new owner must provide the bill of sale or proof of ownership of the car, as well as the signature of the previous car owner. The DMV can take up to 30 days to process this information.
In addition, it’s important that the vehicle’s history like license plates, previous car owners, current or latest insurance policy, and motor vehicle record readily available. Make sure all tickets and toll violations are paid off as well. The car buyer may also be interested in CarFax, they can give you a vehicle history report to ensure the vehicle history is accurate. You can get information on crimes, damages, claims, and other information associated with the car.
Getting Your Car Ready To Be Sold In Texas
It’s crucial that your vehicle looks and runs well to sell a used car for top dollar, it may seem like a hassle but sellers who present a clean vehicle can maximize their earnings. Utilize this cleaning checklist when selling a car, whether it’s a junk car or a used car in good condition:
- Wipe down the wipers or replace if fraying has occurred
- Wax the entire exterior of the vehicle including the headlights after washing
- Remove all trash from the vehicle and the trunk
- Vacuum the carpets and apply vehicle-approved spot cleaner to remove stains on the seats or floor mats
- Inspect underneath the carpets and seats to remove any excess cash or coins
- Thoroughly wipe down the dash and the cupholders
It’s important to know how to present a used car to potential buyers. A clean car makes a statement. Evaluate your vehicle’s road safety.
While it doesn’t make sense to make thousands of dollars worth of car repairs, getting an inspection is a good idea so you can make minor repairs to increase your earning potential to get an instant cash offer. For example, make sure the vehicle is current on oil changes, get an alignment if needed, and fix any broken pieces of trim on the interior of the car. Cars don’t need to be perfect, but a few small repairs can go a long way. Be sure to visit your local mechanic to make sure that there’s no underlying problems.
Take Good Pictures of Your Car To Sell It For More Cash
It’s all in the pictures when selling a car online. And, it’s also about the lighting. Park your vehicle in a sunny area without any distracting items in the way. Then, take photos of the exterior of the car from multiple angles. Selling a used car is much easier when you show just how attractive the interior and the exterior look when you go to sell it.
Take a close up shot of your vehicle’s odometer to show proof of the reading, be sure to zoom in on features such as speakers, leather seats, power windows, and mirrors. Start the vehicle when taking pictures of the interior so the dash illuminates. This allows the buyer to see details and information clearly.
Setting The Price Right In The Texas Car Buying Market
Do your research when you want to sell your car! Use one of the online tools available to ensure the price is right and fair. For example, you can research the market value when selling a car in Texas by logging on to Edmunds, CarGurus and Kelly Blue Book. Detail your odometer reading and any additional features that may increase the price. This includes the color, make, and model of your vehicle. Remember, you’ll only get an accurate estimate of your cars value if you are honest about the condition and the features when using these online tools.
Don’t Trade It In
It’s tempting to just trade in a vehicle rather than sell it outright, however, it is likely that you will lose money. Contact Don’t Trade It in! We make it easy to sell a car in Texas completely online. Simply fill out our online form, upload photos of your used car, SUV, or truck, provide the VIN, and press submit. The team at Don’t Trade It In will contact you with a fair value and then travel to you to pick up your car and issue prompt payment.
You have plenty of options when learning how to sell a car in Texas, Don’t Trade It In is one of the best!
