What Paperwork Do You Need to Sell a Junk Car in Florida?

You found a buyer. You agreed on a price. Now comes the part that makes people nervous: the paperwork.

Florida has specific rules about selling cars. Skip something important and you could end up liable for a car you no longer own. Or worse, the sale falls through at the last minute.

None of that needs to happen. A few documents and ten minutes of preparation is all it takes.

The Title Is Everything

Your car title is the big one. It proves you own the car and gives you the legal right to sell it.

When the buyer shows up, you'll sign over the title. On the back, you need to fill out your name exactly as it appears on the front, the buyer's name or company name, the sale price, the odometer reading (unless the car is over 10 years old, then it's exempt), and the date.

If two people are listed on the title, check whether it says "and" or "or" between the names. "And" means both need to sign. "Or" means either one can sign alone.

Before selling, look over your title for problems. Outstanding liens need to be cleared or released. Your name on your ID needs to match the title exactly. Titles that are torn, water-damaged, or hard to read might need replacement. Out-of-state titles usually work but some buyers prefer Florida paperwork.

Other Documents That Help

The title handles ownership. A few other items make the sale smoother.

Your photo ID is required. Florida driver's license or state ID, passport, or military ID all work. It needs to be current, not expired.

Car registration isn't always required, but having it ready helps. It confirms the VIN matches, provides another layer of ownership proof, and shows the car isn't reported stolen. Keep it handy even if the buyer doesn't ask.

A bill of sale protects both sides. Florida doesn't legally require one for private sales, but you'd be crazy to skip it. A bill of sale records the car details, sale price, date, both parties' names and addresses, and a statement that the car is sold as-is. Print two copies. You keep one, the buyer keeps one. If questions come up later, you have proof.

Lien release matters if the car ever had financing. Even if you paid off the loan years ago, the lien might still show on the title. A letter from your old lender clears it up.

Special Situations

Some sales need extra paperwork.

Selling an inherited car? You'll probably need a death certificate, letters of administration or probate documents, and possibly a court order. Estate sales get complicated. Talk to a probate attorney if you're not sure what you need.

Selling for someone else? You need power of attorney, the owner's signed title, and copies of both your ID and the owner's ID. Make sure the POA specifically authorizes car sales.

Selling without a title? Possible, but you need registration, matching ID, and a buyer willing to work with you. Check our guide on selling without a title for the details.

What the Buyer Should Give You

This isn't a one-way street. A legitimate buyer has paperwork responsibilities too.

They should provide a receipt showing the transaction amount and date, their business information (name, address, license number if applicable), and documentation for the tow if they're picking up the car.

Never let a car leave your property without something in writing. Cash in hand plus a signed receipt. No exceptions.

Filing Your Notice of Sale

This step is important and people forget it constantly.

After you sell the car, Florida requires you to file a Notice of Sale with the DHSMV. This protects you from liability. If that car gets parking tickets, runs a toll without paying, or gets involved in something worse, you don't want your name still attached to it.

File online through the DHSMV website (fastest), mail in the seller's portion of the title, or visit your local tax collector's office. Do it within 30 days of the sale. Takes five minutes and could save you major headaches.

Before the Buyer Arrives

Get organized beforehand. Scrambling for paperwork while the tow truck waits looks unprofessional and might make a buyer nervous.

Have ready: your title, signed and filled out. Your photo ID. Current registration if you have it. Two copies of the bill of sale. Lien release if needed. All keys you have. Any maintenance records, though these are optional for a junk car.

Stack it all in a folder. Hand it over, get your cash, done.

Common Mistakes

People mess these up more than you'd think.

Signing in the wrong spot on the title. Using a nickname instead of your legal name. Forgetting to remove your license plates before the car leaves. Not getting a receipt. Skipping the Notice of Sale filing. Leaving personal documents in the car.

Take your time. Read before you sign. Double-check everything.

Making It Easy

Working with a professional junk car buyer simplifies this whole process. Companies that do this daily know exactly what's needed. Many bring pre-printed bills of sale. Some handle the Notice of Sale filing for you.

At Twin B Car Removal, we walk sellers through the paperwork step by step. Most transactions take under an hour from start to cash in hand. We've done thousands of these.

Get a quote or call (904) 666-4487. We'll tell you exactly what to have ready when we arrive.