What You Need to Sell a Car in Massachusetts

Most people start thinking about paperwork the day the buyer shows up. That's usually when they find out the title is in a drawer somewhere or the lender still has it. A little prep saves you a second trip and a lot of stress.

Before you sell

• The title, signed over to the buyer. If there's still a loan on the car, call your lender first and ask how they handle the payoff.
• A bill of sale with the date, sale price, mileage, VIN and both signatures. Keep a copy.
• Your plates. In Massachusetts the plates stay with you, not the car.

After you sell

• Cancel or transfer the registration with the RMV and hold on to the receipt.
• Only then cancel the insurance on that vehicle.

Rules change from time to time, so it's worth a quick look at mass.gov before you hand over the keys.

If you'd rather skip the private sale

Listing a car yourself can take weeks. If your vehicle is well kept and you want a straightforward offer, Boston Car Buyers in Cambridge sends a buying agent to your home or office, inspects the car where it's parked and gives you a written offer. Pickup is free, and you're not obligated to sell.