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Private buyer resource center

Buy the car—and the title—without inheriting a paperwork problem.

Choose your state for the official ownership documents, tax and registration sequence, insurance rules, inspections, and temporary-permit options.

Find your state Selling instead?

51 buyer guides

Every state plus Washington, D.C., with a stable guide page and government source.

Paperwork and deadlines

Title, tax, registration, inspection, insurance, plates, and temporary-permit steps.

Official links only

Forms and services link to the DMV, MVD, BMV, DOR, or delegated county office.

The safe order

Inspect, verify, pay, then register.

A clean test drive does not prove clean ownership. Confirm the title and lien path before transferring funds.

01

Verify ownership

Match seller, VIN, title, liens, brands, mileage, and required signatures.

02

Price the whole transaction

Include tax, title, registration, inspection, insurance, and immediate repairs.

03

Move it legally

Use your own registration, plate, insurance, or state-issued temporary permit.

State-by-state library

Find your private-purchase guide.

Select where the vehicle will be titled and registered—not merely where you found the listing.