Car paperwork, step by step
Buy, sell, donate or register a car without the paperwork stress.
Plain-English, step-by-step guides to transferring a title, registering a car, donating or trading one in, financing basics and a first-car checklist.
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Explore Car Transaction Guides
Pick a topic for step-by-step help and checklists.
Car Title Transfer
Transferring, signing and fixing a car title, with or without a loan.
Explore topic →02Car Registration
Registering a new or used car, documents and why registrations get rejected.
Explore topic →03Car Donation
How to donate a car, the paperwork and the tax basics in plain English.
Explore topic →04Car Trade-In
Trade-in vs private sale, trading in with a loan and getting a fair value.
Explore topic →05First Car Checklist
What a first-time buyer should check, test and do after buying.
Explore topic →06Car Financing Basics
APR, loan terms, pre-approval, and loan vs lease basics.
Explore topic →Featured reading
Start Here: Car Paperwork Essentials
The questions drivers ask when they buy, sell, donate or register a car.
How Early Can You Renew Your Registration?
Most states let you renew 30 to 90 days before expiration, but some allow as little as 6 months or only after…
How Long Should a Test Drive Be Before You Buy?
A 15-minute test drive covers the basics, but 30 minutes is better for warmed-up behavior. Learn what to check before you buy.
Lost or Stolen Car Title: What Changes?
A lost title is usually replaced through your DMV with an application, ID, and fee; if it was stolen, file a police…
How Long Are Car Loan Terms in Months?
Most car loans run 36 to 72 months, with 60 and 72 months most common; choose the shortest term your budget can…
From the blog
Latest Car Guides
New step-by-step guides on titles, registration, donation, trade-ins and financing.
When Should a Charity Send Your Car Donation Tax Receipt?
The charity should send Form 1098-C within 30 days after the car is sold, or within…
How to Inspect a Used Car Yourself Before You Buy
Check the body, fluids, tires, lights, electronics, and paperwork in minutes. Walk away if you find…
How Much Should You Save Before Buying Your First Car?
Save enough for the car, taxes, title, registration, dealer fees, insurance, and a $1,000 to $2,000…
Can You Trade in a Financed Car with a Loan Balance?
Yes—you can trade in a financed car with a loan balance, but the dealer pays off…
How to Get Your Car Registration Papers Online
If your state DMV or transport authority offers online access, you can usually view or reprint…
How to Fill Out a Car Title Transfer Correctly
Fill out the title exactly as printed, in order, using blue or black ink, and do…
Recent Guides
- How Early Can You Renew Your Registration?
- How Long Should a Test Drive Be Before You Buy?
- Lost or Stolen Car Title: What Changes?
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