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Paperwork When Selling a Car in Washington DC
Selling Requirements
- Sign over your title to the buyer.
- If you have over six months remaining on the vehicle's registration, you're eligible for a registration refund. Parking permits and inspection fees, however, cannot be refunded.
Notice of Release and Transfer of Liability
You must remove the plates (license tags) from your vehicle and return them to the DMV. Failure to do so may make you liable for any traffic infractions incurred by the new owner. Upon turning them in, you'll receive a receipt. Keep this for your records as protection against any possible legal discrepancies.
You can return your license tags in person, or mail to:
- DC DMV
- Vehicle Registration
- P.O. Box 90120
- Washington, DC 20090
For certified mail, send to:
- DC DMV
- Processing Center
- 95 M Street SW
- Washington, DC 20024
Selling Without a Title or Registration
You must have the title to legally process the sale. If you can't find the title, we outline how to go about getting a duplicate title in our Registration FAQs section.
You do not have to produce the registration at the time of the sale. However, doing so may facilitate the sale by showing the buyer that you've kept up the vehicle's paperwork.
Bill of Sale
Since the price of the vehicle will be recorded on the title, a bill of sale is not required. However, it's always wise to have for one for your personal records. You can easily download a copy from our Bill of Sale page.
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