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.
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 30 days after donation if it…
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 structural rust, airbag faults, coolant-oil mix,…
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 repair buffer before you buy.
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 the lender first and any gap…
From the blog
Latest Car Guides
New step-by-step guides on titles, registration, donation, trade-ins and financing.
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…
Can You Get a Trade-In Value Without a VIN?
Yes—you can estimate a trade-in value without a VIN if you know the year, make, model,…
Do You Need a Correction Form for Title Mistakes?
Use a correction form for small title errors if your state allows it. Signed titles or…
Upside-down Trade-in Calculator: What Numbers to Enter
Enter your lender payoff, the car’s current trade-in value, and any dealer fees or credits the…
What Car Payment Budget Rule Should You Follow?
Start with the 20/4/10 rule: 20% down, a 4-year loan, and total transportation costs capped at…
Recent Guides
- When Should a Charity Send Your Car Donation Tax Receipt?
- How to Inspect a Used Car Yourself Before You Buy
- How Much Should You Save Before Buying Your First Car?
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