What should you check before buying a car from a private seller? A handful of checks, done in order, before any money changes hands: who the seller actually is, whether the title matches them, whether the vehicle matches the title, and whether anything else is attached to it, like a lien. Skip these and you risk buying someone else’s title problem along with the car.
1. Confirm the seller’s identity matches the title
Meet in person and check the seller’s identification against the name on the title. If they don’t match, and the seller can’t explain why in a way that holds up, stop before you pay anything.
2. Check the VIN in three places
Compare the VIN on the title, the VIN on the vehicle itself (dash, frame, or door jamb), and the VIN on the registration. They need to match exactly. Any mismatch is a serious red flag, not a minor clerical issue.
3. Look for liens on the title
If a lender’s name appears on the title and hasn’t been released, the vehicle isn’t fully the seller’s to sell yet. A lien release should be in hand, or at minimum confirmed directly with the lender, before you buy.
4. Pull a vehicle history report
A VIN check surfaces ownership patterns, title branding, mileage inconsistencies, and theft flags that aren’t visible just by looking at the car. See our VIN Check Guide for exactly what to look for and where to pull a report.
5. Check the odometer disclosure
The mileage on the title should match what you see on the odometer, within reason. A mismatch, or a seller who’s vague about it, is worth asking harder questions about before you continue.
6. Get a bill of sale
Even for a casual, in-person deal, a simple bill of sale protects you. It documents the price, date, and both parties, and it’s often required alongside the title when you apply for registration.
7. Don’t pay in full until the title is signed over correctly
The title’s assignment section needs to be filled out completely and correctly, in front of you, before final payment. A seller who wants full payment first and promises to “mail the title later” is asking you to take on all the risk.
Frequently asked questions
What if the seller doesn’t have the title with them?
Don’t complete the purchase that day. A legitimate seller can produce the title, or explain clearly and verifiably why it’s elsewhere, such as at a lender’s office for lien release.
Is a bill of sale required in every state?
Requirements vary, but even where it’s not strictly required, it’s good practice. It gives you something to point to if a dispute comes up later.
What’s the single most common mistake buyers make?
Paying before the title’s assignment section is correctly completed. Once money changes hands, your leverage to get it fixed drops sharply.
Already run into a title problem with a vehicle you’re buying, or just bought? Find Your Roadmap to see what fits your situation.