Sales between individuals are transacted between private parties who wish to purchase and sell motor vehicles. When purchasing a vehicle from a private party, inspect the original title document to verify the seller's name. The buyer needs to insure that the title is a clear title. To do this, look at the front of the title document, under the first or second lienholder sections.
A clear title will:
- have no assignments in these sections, or
- the assignment(s) will be released by a signature to the right of the lienholder information.
For more information concerning a clear title, contact the agent or assignee’s county of legal residence.
Requirements and Statutes
To obtain plates and a new title, the purchaser must have:
- Secure and Verifiable Identification is required. Anyone other than a named owner must have a DR2175, Non-secure power of attorney to obtain license plates on behalf of a named owner and present his/her secure and verifiable identification.
- A properly assigned title
- A motor vehicle bill of sale
- A valid emissions test
- Proof of valid vehicle insurance coverage is required by state law. We will accept an insurance card, copy of insurance policy or letter from your insurance company on their letterhead. It must include a description of the vehicle including year, make, model, vehicle identification number (VIN), effective date and expiration date of the policy.
If the seller has an out-of-state title, a VIN verification will also be required.
Did You Know? Once you have completed the above requirements and have purchased your license plates you are responsible for them.
Page revised July 2, 2009