The last one I sold privately, when my father died [I was executor of his estate], and we just went to the DMV local office together. At the DMV ofice, I transferred the title to him, he paid the transfer tax, we exchanged money, he ordered a new title, got a plate, I turned in the old plate, and we left. Didn't even bother with a bill of sale.

I didn't know about a notarized B.O.S. being required -- but, maybe that is needed when both parties can't be present at the DMV office for the many steps involved in retitling?

 

The title will need to be notarized at the time of the sale. No one can sign the title until you get to the notary, or they will likely not notarize it. Most notarys I've dealt with like to have ID and be present when you sign anything.

You can do this privately or go to the DMV Tag Office and they will do it (so the buyer can get a tag at the same time). The buyer is responsible for getting a tag/insurance, so if they don't have a tag/insurance they are responsible for having the car towed.

If they buyer is out of state, there is no need for a notary. Just have a bill of sale written out (which you should do anyway since it is a sale over $500).

I've sold a bunch of cars in my lifetime and everytime I've told the buyer they are responsible for tags/insurance. I've never once let someone "use my tag" to get home.

 

The easiest thing to do is have the buyer meet you at the license plate agency and sign the bill of sale and title there. Then remove the tags and turn them in there. The only thing about that is she will have to get someone to follow her there to pick her up, but she'll have peace of mind when she leaves that everything is completed on the transaction and done legally. You could do the same thing at a notory, but the person might hang on to the title for awhile instead of going ahead and having the car officially place in their name(they may not take the title and get it changed over right away and you'd still have ties to the car).

 

The easiest thing to do is have the buyer meet you at the license plate agency and sign the bill of sale and title there. Then remove the tags and turn them in there. The only thing about that is she will have to get someone to follow her there to pick her up, but she'll have peace of mind when she leaves that everything is completed on the transaction and done legally. You could do the same thing at a notory, but the person might hang on to the title for awhile instead of going ahead and having the car officially place in their name(they may not take the title and get it changed over right away and you'd still have ties to the car).

As long as they have a bill of sale, then after the transaction is completed the seller is no longer liable for anything. The bill of sale is the contract. So if something were to happen all they would have to do is pull it out and they would not be liable for anything, even though the title hadn't been switched yet.

 

Sold my suburban a couple months ago. Met the buyer at a bank I use, had them notorized the title transfer, and make a bill of sale. Then went out and removed the tags. As long as the buyer has a bill of sale, and the title, they have a grace period for tags.

Just make sure that all the people on the title sign the title.

 

I'm a notary, and as far as I know, a bill of sale isn't "required" nor will it allow you to pay less in taxes if the value on the bill of sale is less than what they think you should pay taxes for (they have a book.)

Find a notary, fill out the title correctly (ask the notary if you have any doubts) take the money and the rest is up to the new owner.

 

Bill of Sale is not required in NC, but it's always a good idea to have. You will need to have the title notorized and they will nhave you fill out the damage disclosure section on the back of the title, and if there are any liens. I've done this different ways, leave the car for them and take the title to a bank(or friend who is a notory) with them... MAKE SURE IF YOU GO TO A BANK IT'S ONE THAT YOU OR THE OTHER PARTY HAS STAKE IN...should be free.

Do NOT leave your plate on the car, have them either tow it or put one of their own plates on it. They will have to go to the DMV to get a tag waiver to let them go without a plate until the car is inspected and all of that fun stuff (at the point you have no reason to be there)

You may turn your plate in or keep it, I've sold several cars and bikes and have never been asked for my plate or been taxed for my old vehicle (but that's what they'll tell you at the counter).

 

As long as they have a bill of sale, then after the transaction is completed the seller is no longer liable for anything. The bill of sale is the contract. So if something were to happen all they would have to do is pull it out and they would not be liable for anything, even though the title hadn't been switched yet.

The transaction is completed when they get the title turned into the License Plate agency...Let them lose the title from between the notory and the time they decide to file for the title/turn in the old signed title and see if you don't have to go through it again...That's why I say it is best to do everything at the License Plate Agency...I understand what you're saying,but it narrows the chance of error or incompetency/lack of good judgement. I've bought/sold many cars and did it both ways.

 

Even if you have a BOS with the price listed, the DMV uses the value in their system. If some one gives you a car, DMV places a value on it for tax purposes. To dispute their value is a pain in the butt.

I sold 2 vehicles week before last, had one title done at the DMV and the other at the bank.

 

The easiest thing to do is have the buyer meet you at the license plate agency and sign the bill of sale and title there. Then remove the tags and turn them in there. The only thing about that is she will have to get someone to follow her there to pick her up, but she'll have peace of mind when she leaves that everything is completed on the transaction and done legally. You could do the same thing at a notory, but the person might hang on to the title for awhile instead of going ahead and having the car officially place in their name(they may not take the title and get it changed over right away and you'd still have ties to the car).

+1 & my License Plate Agency was able to do the notary at the same time. Also remember to cancel the selling car's insurance once the transaction is complete.

Need a Bill of Sale? : http://www.dmv.org/nc-north-carolina/bill-of-sale.php

 

I've purchased several and simply asked the seller if I borrow their tag for a couple days and mail it back to them. That's only if they do not want to wait at DMV for nine hours while I get a tag. The sellers I have dealt with have been extremely cool about this.

 

The only thing that's notarized is the SELLER (read Owner's) signature. DMV wants proof that the actual owner is the one actually selling. Went to a bank, had the Notary notarize MY signature on the title, then went around trying to sell the truck. Once I found a buyer, went to there bank and got the check straight from them.

 

What about if the title is out of state? MD doesn't require the title to be notarized when sold.

 

What about if the title is out of state? MD doesn't require the title to be notarized when sold.

then you're probably fine. NC wants/ expects titles to be transferred to NC within X many days of you moving here (so they can get their tax money) unless you are military, so you may get hassled for that.