Instant offers to sell your car in
California
Compare multiple offers from California dealers in one place, and find your best price
Multiple offers in a click
Get instant offers in less than 2 minutes
Choose the best offer
Compare multiple offers from local California dealers
Get paid fast
Quickly get your payment or trade in value. You’re all set.
How it works
1
Add details about your car
Then we instantly gather multiple offers from California dealerships to compare in one place.
2
Drop off your car
Once you choose a local dealer offer, you’ll drop off your car at your selected dealership at a day and time that works for you.
3
Trade in or get paid
After your car passes inspection, you can apply your trade-in value towards a new car purchase and save with California sales tax OR get paid on the spot. Your choice.
Take it from our happy sellers
Why get an instant cash offer vs. selling it yourself?
Get offers instantly
vs. waiting for interested buyers to reach out
Choose your best offer
vs. negotiating with private buyers
Hassle-free handoff
vs. coordinating with private buyers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sell my car privately in California?
To sell your car privately in California, gather the necessary documentation, take detailed photos, list the car for sale, and manage negotiations with prospective buyers. We recommend that you add cleaning the car to this list, as this can only improve your photos and help to minimize haggling. It’s also important to be aware that potential buyers may want to have the car inspected by a third party before committing to the purchase. Complete the sale by preparing a bill of sale, and transferring the title to the new owner. Remember to report the sale to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 5 days.
What should I do after I sell my car in California?
After selling your car in California, complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) through the California DMV within 5 days of the transaction. This form updates the DMV on the change of ownership and releases you from liability for the vehicle. Additionally, provide the buyer with the vehicle title and ensure it's properly filled out and signed. Keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records.
Who pays the most for used cars?
The highest paying buyer for a used car can vary. Private buyers typically offer more than trade-ins or dealerships because there are no intermediary costs. Online car buying services like CarGurus and local dealers may offer competitive prices and quicker transactions. It’s advisable to compare offers from several sources to ensure you get the best deal.
How do I protect myself when selling a car in California?
To protect yourself when selling a car, ensure all communications and meetings with potential buyers occur in safe locations. Only accept payment in secure forms such as cashier’s checks or bank transfers. Accompany the buyer to their bank if they are paying in person. Always complete a bill of sale, document all parts of the transaction, and follow through with the NRL submission to the DMV.
Do I have to pay registration if I sell my car California?
You do not have to pay registration fees if you sell your car in California. Once the vehicle is sold, responsibility for registration fees passes to the new owner. However, ensure any past due registration fees are cleared before selling the car to avoid complications during the transfer process.
What documents are needed to sell my car?
When selling your car in California, you need the vehicle’s title, a completed and signed bill of sale, and the completed Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form. It's also helpful to provide the buyer with recent maintenance records and a vehicle history report.
Do I need a notary to sell my car in California?
California does not require a notary for the sale of a car. However, all documents should be accurately completed and properly signed by both parties to ensure the legality of the transaction.
What do I do with my license plates when selling my car in California?
In California, license plates stay with the vehicle after the sale. Ensure that the registration stickers are current, and inform the buyer that they will need to register the vehicle in their name after the purchase.
What should I do if I don't have the title to my car?
If you do not have the title for your car in California, you must obtain a replacement title from the DMV before you can legally sell the vehicle. This process involves submitting an Application for Replacement Title form along with the required fee.
How does sales tax work when selling a car?
The seller does not collect California sales tax when selling a car privately. The buyer is responsible for paying the sales tax when they register the vehicle under their name at the DMV.
What are my options to sell my car?
With CarGurus, you can sell your car to a local dealer in four easy steps.
1. Enter your car’s details - License plate, VIN, mileage, etc.
2. Get instant offers - View the best prices from local dealers.
3. Choose the best offer - Bring it to the dealer along with your ID and supporting documents.
4. Get paid right away - The dealer will inspect your car, verify the offer, and pay you the same day.
How do you determine my offer?
CarGurus finds and compares offers from local dealers, showing you the best ones in your local market.
How long is my offer valid for?
Local dealer offers are valid for seven days or after driving an additional 250 miles, whichever comes first. Offer details may vary by location.
How does the offer process work?
First, enter some basic details about your car, including your license plate number or VIN, mileage, and condition. We’ll send you the best offers from local dealers. You can then compare multiple offers in one place and select the one that best meets your needs based on the offer amount and the convenience of the dealership’s location.
Next steps: Drop off your car at the selected dealership, have it inspected, and get paid once the sale is complete.
Available in select markets.
