How to sell a car privately in the UK
Selling your car privately usually gets you a better price than a part-exchange, but you're responsible for the paperwork, the viewings and the payment. This checklist walks through it in order.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Official rules change, so use the GOV.UK links for the latest.
1. Get the paperwork together
- The V5C logbook (registration certificate) in your name. Buyers will want to see it, and it should match the car and your address.
- The MOT. A current MOT makes a car easier to sell. You can look up any vehicle's MOT history free on GOV.UK, and buyers will do the same.
- Service history, receipts and any invoices for work done.
- Spare keys and the manuals.
2. Be sure you're allowed to sell it
You must own the car, and it shouldn't have outstanding finance. If there is finance, it belongs to the finance company until it's settled, and selling the car without clearing it can cause serious problems for you and the buyer. Settle it first, or arrange the sale with the finance company's agreement.
3. Prepare the car
A clean car, inside and out, sells faster and for more. Fix small things that put buyers off, like warning lights or a missing wheel nut, and remove your personal belongings. Don't spend heavily on repairs, since buyers rarely pay back what you put in.
4. Work out a fair price
Look at similar cars, meaning the same make, model, age, mileage and condition, on the sites where you'll advertise. Price slightly above what you'd accept if you're happy to negotiate, but not so high that buyers scroll past. If you'd rather not haggle, say so in the advert.
5. Take good photos and write an honest description
- Photograph the car in daylight on a clear background: all four sides, the interior, the dashboard with the mileage, the wheels and any damage.
- Describe the car as it really is: the car must match your description, and anything you do say must be true. Good practice, even where the law does not strictly require it, is to also mention previous accidents, faults, non-standard parts and the number of owners — it heads off disputes and dishonest sellers rarely get a repeat customer.
- Be upfront about write-off history and finance if either applies. Buyers check, and honesty saves everyone's time. See our guide to write-off categories.
6. Advertise and handle enquiries safely
List on the sites your buyers use. On Browse Cars it's free to list. Keep early conversations inside the messaging system, be wary of anyone who wants to move to other apps straight away, and don't share your address until a viewing is agreed.
7. Arrange viewings and test drives
- Meet somewhere safe and public for a first viewing if you can, in daylight, and tell someone where you're going.
- Ask to see the buyer's driving licence before a test drive, and check that their insurance covers driving another person's car. Go with them.
- Keep the keys and the V5C with you throughout.
8. Agree the price and take payment safely
- A bank transfer you can see has arrived in your own account is the safest. Don't hand over the car or the keys until the money is in your account, and don't rely on a screenshot or a "payment sent" email.
- Be wary of overpayment stories ("I'll pay more and you refund the difference"), cheques and unusual payment apps. Our scam guide covers the common tricks.
- If you accept cash, meet at a bank branch so the notes can be checked and paid in straight away.
9. Write a receipt
Write a simple receipt for both of you to sign: the date, the price, the car's make, model and registration, both names and addresses, and a line saying the car is sold as seen and as described. Each of you keeps a copy.
10. Tell the DVLA you've sold it
As soon as the car has gone, tell the DVLA you've sold it so you're no longer responsible for it (fines, tax and so on). You can do this online through GOV.UK's "Selling a vehicle" service, or by post. You'll pass the new keeper slip to the buyer. Then cancel your insurance for that car, and mark the listing as sold.
A quick checklist
- V5C, MOT and service history ready
- No outstanding finance, or agreed with the finance company
- Honest description and clear photos
- Safe viewing, licence and insurance checked before a test drive
- Money in your account before the car leaves
- Receipt signed, DVLA told, insurance cancelled, listing marked sold