Georgia Car Sales Made Simple: Top Tips for Selling Fast

Wondering how to sell a car in Georgia? There are many details to consider, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s just a matter of a few key steps, some paperwork, and maybe a little haggling.  

Reselling a vehicle is nothing you can’t handle when you know what you’re doing. It’s time to be out with the old and in with the new. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to pick out a new or new-to-you car and shop around for auto insurance. But first things first — how do you initiate a car sale in Georgia?  

Understanding the Basics of Car Sales in the Peach State 

Do not go into selling your used car blind. Sit down with your sweet tea and keep reading to learn the basics of how to sell a car in Georgia.  

We don’t have to know what your car looks like right now. What’s important is how you plan to spiff it up when you are ready to sell it. Needless to say, being prepared with the right documents and having a sparkling clean vehicle can help you easily sell a car in Georgia. 

What Key Documents Will You Need to Sell Your Car in Georgia? 

We know that paperwork can be a pain to deal with when all you want to do is sell your car. However, to keep your car sale legal and final, confirm you have the following documents to present to the buyer:  

• Certificate of Title 

• Bill of Sale 

Stay tuned for more details on how to use these documents.  

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips to Increase Car Value 

Here is the honest truth: cleaning and maintaining your car the whole time you own it is the best way to keep your car value high. That being said, consider the following to ensure you’re all set to easily sell a car in Georgia for the best price.  

Confirm that all major systems and components are in good working condition. Replace any burned-out lights or fuses and top off all fluids. Taking your car to a mechanic for a good once-over could be worth the investment. If there is an issue that you cannot address, be prepared to disclose the issue entirely.  

Your next step is to get your car looking all clean and new. If you don’t want to put in the time and effort, you can take the car to a professional detailer. Plan to spend a couple hundred dollars, though.  

If that sounds like too much hard-earned cash, then roll up your sleeves and plan to get wet. Here are the steps to follow: 

• Start with the tires. Get all up in those tires, as they are the dirtiest part.  

• Remove all trash and debris from the interior. Everything must go. Don’t forget all the cubby holes.  

• Thoroughly vacuum every last inch of the interior.  

• Replace your floor mats if needed.  

• Wash the windows inside and out. Newsprint is good for minimizing streaking.  

• Remove all bugs and tar. 

• Wash and dry the exterior. 

• Remember to polish the trim. 

• Wax and polish the exterior thoroughly.  

How to Accurately Price Your Vehicle 

Accurately pricing your vehicle may be the most challenging part of selling a car in Georgia because it is not cut and dry. However, there are a few steps you can follow to make it easier, including: 

• Use an online vehicle valuation tool like Kelly Blue Book. 

• Compare your car with other local listings like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to see how similar cars are selling. 

• Consider the age, mileage, and wear and tear of your car.  

• Take note of any upgrades or special features. 

• Set a competitive price with room for negotiation. Set your price slightly higher than your bottom price to give you room for bargaining.  

Choosing the Right Selling Option 

You have two options for selling a vehicle in Georgia: trade-in at the dealership or privately. Just as you want to avoid mistakes when buying a car for the first time, it pays to explore your options when selling a used vehicle.  

What are the Pros and Cons of Dealership Trade-Ins? 

Have you ever wondered how to sell your car at a dealership? Selling your car or trading in at the dealership can be a straightforward option. Dealers are often not picky when accepting trade-ins. It’s a practical choice if you lack the time or money to fully clean and fix your old car.  

Still, part of knowing how to sell your car at a dealership is being aware of the disadvantages. The big con is that the dealer must also profit from your trade-in, which means you will be offered significantly less money. The dealer may also deny your trade-in because they already have too many of your make and model.  

Are There Advantages of Selling Privately or Online? 

Selling your old car privately or online often requires placing ads, cleaning and detailing the car, fixing any needed repairs, and supplying documentation. There’s also the risk of potential buyer fraud.  

However, you will likely make more money. You may net hundreds, if not thousands, of more dollars.  

Do you want convenience more than value? Or is the extra work worth the higher value? Only you can answer that question.  

The Selling Process Simplified 

Selling a vehicle in Georgia (or transferring ownership) does not have to be complicated if you take the time to understand the process.  

Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Ownership 

Details may be annoying, but being thorough will ensure that the transfer of ownership is legal and binding. Gather all the required legal documents before selling your car. You will need the Title and the Bill of Sale we discussed earlier.  

You can use a state-provided form or craft your own for the Bill of Sale. Either way, be sure to be thorough and provide the following information: 

• Date of transfer of ownership or sale 

• Agreed upon sale price 

• Your legal name as it appears on your ID or GA driver’s license 

• The legal name of the buyer as it appears on their ID or driver’s license 

• The year, make, model, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) number of the car 

• Odometer reading at the time of sale or transfer of ownership 

• A list of any liens on the vehicle 

• Buyer’s and your signatures 

What are Title Transfer and Notary Requirements in Georgia? 

To transfer the title to the new owner, turn the title to the back and carefully follow the instructions. You will provide the same information as in the Bill of Sale. Yes, it is a lot of writing, but stick with it.  

Hand over the title to the new owner. Remember to keep a copy of the title and the bill of sale for your records. 

Notarizing the title is not required in Georgia for every car sale. However, it can be a good choice to give the seller and buyer peace of mind and make the selling process smoother. To get the title notarized, the seller must sign the title in the presence of a hired notary. The notary will then sign and stamp the title, certifying it as authentic.  

Finishing Touches: License Plate and Insurance Details 

Keep the license plates and tags because these do not transfer over to the buyer. You can choose to keep the license plate, transfer the plates to a new vehicle, or surrender the plates to the state for cancellation.  

You must also cancel the registration and insurance coverage on that vehicle.  

The new owner will then register their new car under their name, shop around for different types of car insurance coverage, and buy their own.  

Getting A New (or New to You) Car? Make Sure You Get Auto Insurance to Go with It 

Selling an old vehicle to get a new or new-to-you car is an exciting venture. Protect your purchase with auto insurance at Velox Insurance. Your Velox Insurance agent can answer all your questions and help you find comprehensive, affordable auto coverage that’s right for you. Get a quick quote online, call us at 855-468-3569, or find a location in Georgia to speak with an agent in person.