Selling your car in the District of Columbia has some unique requirements. Whether you’re located in Capitol Hill, Adams Morgan, or near the National Mall, this guide explains everything you need to know to sell your vehicle legally, safely, and efficiently in D.C.
Sell a Car in Washington, D.C. – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before listing or selling your car in D.C., make sure you have the following paperwork:
- D.C. Certificate of Title: The title must be in your name. Both buyer and seller must sign, and any lien must be released.
- Valid Identification: A D.C. driver’s license or other government-issued ID is usually required.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles less than 10 years old.
- Bill of Sale (Strongly Recommended): Not required by D.C. law but provides documentation for both parties.
- Lien Release (if applicable): You must provide proof that any lien has been satisfied.
D.C. DMV Forms You May Need
Depending on the situation, the following forms may be used:
- Bill of Sale Template (DMV-ROS-003): Recommended for documenting vehicle sales.
- Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application: Used by the buyer to transfer ownership.
- Duplicate Title Application: Required if the original title has been lost.
Visit the D.C. DMV website for access to forms and more information.
Sell Your Car in Washington, D.C. — Fast & Easy
Get a real offer in minutes
instead of waiting days for responses
Get your car’s true value
trustworthy, no guessing, no back-and-forth
We’ll handle the handoff
no need to arrange inconvenient meetups
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
If you’re selling privately, a clean and well-maintained car helps. However, you can skip the prep if you choose a quicker route.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we purchase vehicles as-is. No need to clean, repair, or prep. Just request a fast offer and we’ll take care of the rest.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before agreeing to any offer, it’s helpful to understand what your car is worth:
- Use Our Instant Appraisal Tool: Get a free quote in under 2 minutes.
- Check KBB, Edmunds, or NADA: Estimate your car’s resale value based on condition, mileage, and trim.
- Compare Local Listings: Check pricing trends in neighborhoods like Dupont Circle, Columbia Heights, Georgetown, and Navy Yard.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
There are a few ways to sell a car in D.C.:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fast & Secure): Get a real offer with no hassle. We handle all paperwork and get you paid quickly.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: May be convenient if you’re buying another car, but trade-in offers are often lower.
- Private Sale: Might get you more money, but requires listing, meeting buyers, and managing all title and payment details yourself.
Choosing Ken Ganley Buying Center means no stress, no strangers, and no risk.
Step 5: Get Paid
Avoid the dangers of cash deals with unknown buyers or questionable checks. When you sell to us, you receive guaranteed, same-day payment through trusted methods.
Everything from title work to payment is handled by professionals — no guesswork, no delays.
What Affects Car Values in Washington, D.C.? Local Market Insights to Know
In D.C., urban driving conditions and buyer preferences shape vehicle demand:
- Compact and hybrid cars are popular due to traffic, parking limitations, and environmental incentives.
- Luxury vehicles and EVs are more common in higher-income neighborhoods.
- All-season tires and well-maintained city-ready vehicles hold higher value due to pothole wear and stop-and-go conditions.
- The U.S. vehicle market in 2025 has seen a moderate recovery with about 5% growth year over year through May, supporting stable or rising used vehicle demand. Consumer confidence has rebounded strongly since April 2025, bolstering vehicle sales momentum in urban markets like D.C.
Knowing these factors can help you price your vehicle competitively or spot a great offer.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Washington, D.C.?
Selling your car shouldn’t be a burden. Get a fair, fast offer from Ken Ganley Buying Center and skip the hassle.
Start your free appraisal online or call us at 330-427-3656.
We make it easy to sell your car anywhere in the District of Columbia.
Need help selling your car in Washington, D.C.? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title in Washington DC?
No, notarization is not required in Washington DC. However, the title must be properly signed by both the seller and buyer. The seller must complete their portion of the title transfer, including the buyer’s information, sale date, odometer reading, and sale price. All signatures must be legible and match the names on the title.
Do I keep my plates after selling my car in Washington DC?
Yes, license plates remain with the seller in Washington DC, not with the vehicle. You must remove your license tags from the vehicle before completing the sale. If you do not plan to transfer your vehicle tags to another vehicle, you must surrender the tags to DC DMV either in-person or by certified mail within five days of the sale to ensure DC DMV receives your surrendered vehicle tags.
Is there a notification requirement when I sell my car in Washington DC?
While DC DMV doesn’t explicitly require a “notification of sale” like some states, you are required to remove and surrender your license plates within five days if you’re not transferring them to another vehicle. This effectively serves as notification to the DMV that you’ve sold the vehicle and removes your liability for the vehicle.
Can I sell a car without a title in Washington DC?
No, you cannot legally sell a car without a title in Washington DC. If you’ve lost your title, you must request a duplicate title from DC DMV before proceeding with the sale. The duplicate title fee is $26.00 and will be mailed to the primary owner within 10 business days of processing.
Is a bill of sale required in Washington DC?
A bill of sale is not legally required by DC law, but it is highly recommended to document the terms of the sale and protect both parties. DC DMV provides a Bill of Sale template (DMV-ROS-003) that you can use. The bill of sale should include all owner names from the vehicle title and all buyer names.
Who pays sales tax when a car is sold in Washington DC?
The buyer is responsible for paying the sales tax (also called excise tax) at the time of registration with the DC DMV. Washington DC charges an excise tax based on the vehicle’s value, which the buyer must pay when they title and register the vehicle in their name.
What happens if my car has a lien when I want to sell it in Washington DC?
If your vehicle has a lien, you must provide proof that the lien has been satisfied before you can sell the car. The lienholder must release their interest in the vehicle, and you’ll need to obtain a lien release document. Vehicles cannot be sold until the lien is cleared or paid off completely. The lien recordation fee in DC is $20.00 per lien.
What DC DMV forms might I need when selling my car?
Depending on your situation, you may need several DC DMV forms when selling your car. The Bill of Sale Template (DMV-ROS-003) is recommended for documenting vehicle sales, while the Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application is used by the buyer to transfer ownership. If you’ve lost your original title, you’ll need a Duplicate Title Application, and if there’s an outstanding loan on the vehicle, you’ll require Lien Release Documentation. All forms are available on the DC DMV website at dmv.dc.gov/page/dmv-forms, and title processing typically takes 10 business days.