[Villages Kahuna]

Call the DMV.

[Shapdaddy]

Make sure on the title besides filling in the date of sale write down the actual time of sale as well. Do this on the title and fill out the form “selling a car” from Florida DMV and you should be good. DO NOT LET THEM DRIVE THE CAR AWAY WITH YOUR PLATE ON IT!

[retiredguy123]

The Florida Form HSMV 82050 serves as a "notice of sale" and as a "bill of sale" for the vehicle. Going to the DMV with the buyer may make you feel good, but as long as you deliver the completed form to the DMV, you have done everything that needs to be done. All they will do at the DMV office is to have you complete the same form. You may want to verify later that the DMV has properly executed the transaction into their online system.

The main issue with selling a car is that you receive proper payment, which would be better handled at a bank.

[Lindaws]

Always sign at the tax collectors office . You will be able to see them register!

[dgammon6]

I just sold a vehicle thru a private sale. I went to the Sumter license branch for information. The lady at front desk was very helpful. I was given a Bill of Sale I needed to fill out, bring it and my license plate back to them. Do not cancel auto insurance until you bring the Bill of Sale and license plate back to them. Also make sure you get you toll device off your windshield. She also showed me the places on our title that needed to be filled out. No notary public needed.

[Larchap49]

Originally Posted by Mosells

I’m selling a car in a private sale. If I just sign the title over to the buyer, what is my exposure if the buyer doesn’t title the car to his name and has an accident in the meantime. I can’t find anything regarding Florida law in this matter. How have you handled a private sale?
Thanking you in advance.

You sign over the title then you take the registration and license plate to motor vehicle dept and turn them in and report the sale

[OhioBuckeye]

Originally Posted by Mosells

I’m selling a car in a private sale. If I just sign the title over to the buyer, what is my exposure if the buyer doesn’t title the car to his name and has an accident in the meantime. I can’t find anything regarding Florida law in this matter. How have you handled a private sale?
Thanking you in advance.

I’m not saying nobody gave the right answer here but if I were you I would be asking a lawyer about this before I get into trouble myself. How could anybody get plates or Ins. unless it’s in their name. It’s not legally theirs & you couldn’t legally drive it unless you legally own it. Get a lawyer!

[Gunny2403]

None. You no longer own it. Just make sure you take your plate off.

[jdulej]

Originally Posted by dgammon6

I just sold a vehicle thru a private sale. I went to the Sumter license branch for information. The lady at front desk was very helpful. I was given a Bill of Sale I needed to fill out, bring it and my license plate back to them. Do not cancel auto insurance until you bring the Bill of Sale and license plate back to them. Also make sure you get you toll device off your windshield. She also showed me the places on our title that needed to be filled out. No notary public needed.

This is the key phrase from above - "Do not cancel auto insurance until you bring the Bill of Sale and license plate back to them." You still may have liability. Holding an unregistered bill of sale may ultimately free you from any risk, but possible not until after a lot of hassle.

[jimdee139]

Do not give them your plate! You must turn it in to DMV. If you don’t they will suspend your license. DMV will be notified by your insurance company when you cancel your coverage.

[Petersweeney]

Get a lawyer? OMG

[kkingston57]

Good question. Several years ago I tried to sell car myself. A lot of ?able inquirors called me almost immediately and never received any fair offers. Sellers market now and do believe that there is a better market for people trying to sell your own vehicle.

Have heard good reviews from car buying companies that will make sure that the title is properly transferred and I plan to use them when and if I sell car without trading it in.

Agree with others here. Florida law does make an owner of a vehicle responsible for actions of another driver and you want to make sure that the title is properly transferred.

[Vikingjunior]

The buyer can drive the car around for 30 days with no plate and no registration, all they need is a bill of sale and insurance. It seems weird but that is the law. I remember in Arizona the plates stayed with the car. Also weird.

[midiwiz]

Originally Posted by Mosells

I’m selling a car in a private sale. If I just sign the title over to the buyer, what is my exposure if the buyer doesn’t title the car to his name and has an accident in the meantime. I can’t find anything regarding Florida law in this matter. How have you handled a private sale?
Thanking you in advance.

In this state, as long as your name is on that title you are liable for anything illegal that vehicle is involved in. You can do the form thing but I have known that to not do anything in a couple cases.

[conman5652@aol.com]

The sale is final when u sign title and remove tag and registration card and return to dmv.