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 Does a Car Title Transfer Work?
A car title transfer moves ownership when the title, required forms, and any state-specific paperwork are signed and filed correctly.
What Is a Good Car Payment for Your Income?
A good car payment is about 10% to 15% of your monthly take-home pay; if you carry other debt, stay closer to…
Does Auto Loan Preapproval Hurt Your Credit Score?
Auto loan preapproval only hurts your credit if the lender runs a hard inquiry. Soft-pull preapprovals do not lower your score.
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…
From the blog
Latest Car Guides
New step-by-step guides on titles, registration, donation, trade-ins and financing.
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…
Lost or Stolen Car Title: What Changes?
A lost title is usually replaced through your DMV with an application, ID, and fee; if…
How Long Are Car Loan Terms in Months?
Most car loans run 36 to 72 months, with 60 and 72 months most common; choose…
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…
Recent Guides
- How Does a Car Title Transfer Work?
- What Is a Good Car Payment for Your Income?
- Does Auto Loan Preapproval Hurt Your Credit Score?
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