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How to Sell a Car in Georgia?
There are three main ways to sell your car in Georgia:
Jump to: Sell Car Privately
Jump to: Sell Car to Car Buying Website
Jump to: Sell Car to Dealership
| Turnaroud | Effort Needed | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privately | 7-14 days | Most | Used cars |
| Car Buying Website | 24-72 hours | Fill online form | Junk and old cars |
| Dealership | 7-10 days | Visit office | Mostly new cars |
Sell Car Privately in Georgia
If you plan to sell your car in Georgia, the best way to get more money is to do it privately. Compared to dealerships, you also have the chance to accept several offers and choose the best. While the process can be long and laborious, you will likely get your car’s value. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sell your vehicle privately in Georgia.
The Laws Regarding Private Car Sales in Georgia
- It’s illegal to sell multiple vehicles other than what you own
- Since the title is a legal document, both parties’ legal names should be used
- No nicknames are allowed on the title
- When filling out paperwork, you should write legibly with black or blue ink, as the use of a white-out may void the document
Documents Needed to Sell a Car in Georgia
- Certificate of Title
- The name, address and signature of the buyer
- Purchase date
- Odometer reading
- Your printed name and signature.
- Bill of Sale. this provides a record of the transaction
- Vehicle history report. This will help you prove to the buyer that you are trustworthy.
Step 1: Prepare the Car for Sale
Preparing the car and cleaning it is the first step towards selling your car privately. Regardless of the buyer, you need to clean it from both inside and outside. You should also not forget to remove your personal belongings since the vehicle is about to change hands.
Moreover, look for a mechanic to inspect the car so you can know what works and what doesn’t. He can help you check things such as breaks, starters, fluids, and the general state of the vehicle. By knowing the condition of your car, you can price it fairly.
When selling your car you need to be honest and trustworthy with the new buyer. You can do this by supplying the buyer with a vehicle history report.
Step 2: List the Car for Sale
Once the car is ready for sale, the next step is posting it on popular listing sites to attract the attention of the buyers. Make sure you describe the vehicle by including the year, make, price and model.
It’s also important to have details like recent upgrades or changed titles and other accessories. While you can include lots of details, ensure the information does not overwhelm the buyer.
You should also take various photos of the car’s exterior, interior, back, and trunk. If there is a special feature, ensure you include it in the photos. You can list your car on free marketplaces like Facebook, Craigslist, or eBay Motors.
Step 3: Gather the Documents
First, you need to start gathering all the paperwork, including your owner’s manual, maintenance records, and other documents related to your car. You should also have forms of upgrades and repairs you’ve completed over time.
You will need also need a valid and current Georgia Vehicle Emissions Inspection Report if you are in;
- Cherokee
- Clayton
- Cobb
- Coweta
- DeKalb
- Douglas
- Fayette
The only exception is when you have alternative fuel vehicles, diesel vehicles or if your vehicle is over 25 years of age.
Step 4: Transfer the Title
To transfer the title, you need to print and sign your full legal name. If you co-won the listed vehicle, both of you should print and sign your legal names. The buyer should also fill out their full name, date of sale, and address. The date of sale should include the day, month, and year of sale.
Once you’ve filled out the form, you cannot make any changes; otherwise, you may have to use a new title. In addition, if you alter the purchase date, you are liable for a penalty fee.
If the original title is lost or damaged, you can apply for one by filling out an MV-1 form and paying the fee at your local county tag office.
Step 5: Cancel the Registration
If your name is still registered on the vehicle, you could be held responsible for any violations that the new owner commits. Because of this, you need to cancel the registration as soon as you transfer the car. To cancel the registration;
- Go online to Georgia DRIVES e-Service.
- Complete and sign Form MV-18J, titled Application for Voluntary Registration Cancellation
Whether you do it online or file an application, you need to have a license plate number, the vehicle identification number, and your Georgia driver’s license number. You also need to do this before canceling your insurance to avoid being fined.
Step 6: Cancel the Insurance
Besides the registration, you should also cancel the insurance policy within 30 days of selling your car. This way, you can avoid paying insurance for a vehicle you no longer own.
Moreover, if you’ve been paying insurance for six months instead of monthly, you may be refunded for the duration left on the policy. However, it’s important to contact the company to ensure they dont levy fees.
Step 7: Complete the Bill
To finalize the sale of a car in Georgia, you need to complete the bill of sale (Form T-7), an official document by the Georgia Department of Revenue that you can download and print out to fill.
You can download the form online, fill out the information on the bill of sale and sign it. This way, you can protect yourself in case any miscommunications occur. You may also choose to notarize the bill, although the state doesn’t legally require this.
If you’re selling your car to a private buyer, it’s important that you clean and detail it. While there is no need to do this if you are selling to dealerships, it is a good idea to get the car looking clean and well maintained.
Sell Car to Car Buying Website
Peddle
Get your free offer instantly via online form or call on (855) 925 4302
$0 fees + you don’t have to pay for towing – Peddle will take care of it
Get paid in check during the pick up for any car (damaged, junk, wrecked)
CarBrain
Get an offer within 2 minutes and sell your damaged car within 24 hours
Free vehicle towing and no fees to getting rid of your damaged car
The tow truck driver will arrive with your check (nationwide service)
If you don’t intend to sell your car privately, you may consider car-buying websites like Wheelzy, CarBrain and Peddle.
Since they make the selling process simple and convenient, they can help you sell the car fast. Although you are not likely to get as much selling a car privately, you can avoid the process of haggling and meeting with different buyers.
These websites give you 7 days to accept or decline the offer. If you accept the offer, they will appraise the car for free, pay it in cash or check, and pick it up.
Peddle
How Much Peddle Will Pay for Your Car in Georgia?
The table below shows few of the cars Peddle has recently purchased in Georgia
| Make | Year | Offer Value |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan (Quest) | 2004 | $415 |
| Dorge (Dakota) | 1995 | $465 |
| Volkswagen (Passat) | 2009 | $380 |
Wheelzy
How Much Wheelzy Will Pay for Your Car in Georgia?
Here are a few examples of Wheelzy’s recent purchases:
| Make | Mileage | Year | Offer Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorge (Caliber) | Under 200,000 | 2009 | $350 |
| Suzuki (L-7) | Under 150,000 | 2008 | $250 |
| Toyota (Siena) | Under 200,000 | 2006 | $380 |
CarBrain
How Much CarBrain Will Pay for Your Car in Georgia?
The table below shows few of the cars CarBrain has recently purchased in Georgia
| Make | Mileage | Year | Condition | Offer Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguar (XJ) | 76,000 | 2011 | Mechanical Damage: Engine | $6,500 |
| Toyota (Tacoma) | 94,000 | 2006 | Collision Damage: Front, Driver Side | $3,400 |
| Jeep (Wrangler) | 55,000 | 2011 | Collision Damage: Front | $3,150 |
Sell Car to Dealership
Whether you are planning to upgrade your car or just sell it, opting for the dealership can make the process simpler and faster. With a dealership, you don’t have to set the price, advertise or even deal with the car’s documentation.
If you don’t like the long process of selling a car privately, dealerships are the right option.Before taking your car to the dealership, know its worth. This should be based on its condition, make, mileage, model, and more. While you can expect the dealership to offer a lower price, the process is hassle-free.
Once you are given an offer, you can either accept or decline. If you accept, the dealership will pay you cash. The best part is that the dealers will come to view and test drive the car, provide all necessary forms, offer payments and pick up the car.
Tips to Sell Your Car to a Dealership
- Be realistic and state the real condition of the vehicle to the buyer
- Look for a dealer that accepts your car’s brand
- Search for dealers in their online inventory
- Shop around for the best quotes before settling on one
- If the dealership isn’t the best, consider other options like car buying websites
Best dealerships in Georgia
Sell Car in Georgia FAQ
What do I require sell my car privately in Georgia?
To sell a car privately in Georgia, you need the vehicle’s Certificate of Title and proof of sale.
Does Georgia require a bill of sale?
Yes. Georgia requires a bill of sale for all private party vehicle sales. This is required to register the vehicle and to help protect the seller in the future.
What is needed to transfer a car title in Georgia?
You need a valid Georgia driver’s license or ID card. You also need to surrender your damaged title and pay a transfer fee of $8
Do you need to notarize a bill of sale in Georgia?
While this is not a requirement, you can still do it if you choose to.
How much does it cost to transfer a Georgia vehicle title?
To transfer a title, you need to pay $18 title fee and a $20 license plate fee. However, there may be additional fees such as ad valorem taxes, and other fees for processing.
