Use this guide when you want a better price than a trade-in or dealer offer. Have the V5C logbook, service history, MOT history, spare keys and any receipts for work done ready.
Step by step
Get the paperwork together
Gather the V5C logbook, service book and invoices, and both sets of keys. Check the MOT history on GOV.UK so you can answer questions honestly. If there is outstanding finance on the car, settle it with the lender before selling, as you may not own it outright.
Price it realistically
Compare similar cars for age, mileage and condition on several advertising sites. Use free online valuation tools as a guide. Decide your lowest acceptable price before anyone calls.
Prepare and advertise
Clean the car inside and out and fix small, cheap faults such as bulbs. Take clear photos in daylight, including the interior, tyres and any damage. Describe the car accurately; do not hide known faults.
Handle viewings safely
Arrange viewings at your home in daylight or another safe place, and have someone with you. Before a test drive, check the buyer's driving licence and that they are insured to drive your car, and go with them. Keep the keys with you when the buyer is not driving.
Take payment securely
Bank transfer is usually safest; wait until the money has cleared in your account, checking your banking app rather than a screenshot or message. Be cautious with cash, as notes can be counterfeit. Never hand over the car or keys until payment is confirmed.
Complete the paperwork and tell the DVLA
Write a simple receipt with the car details, price, date and both names and addresses, sold as seen, and both sign it. Tell the DVLA you have sold the car, online or using the V5C, and give the buyer the new keeper slip. The vehicle tax does not transfer, so any full months remaining are refunded automatically once the DVLA is told.
Ready-to-use checklist
- V5C logbook and service history ready
- Any outstanding finance settled
- Price researched against similar cars
- Honest advert with clear photos
- Buyer's licence and insurance checked before test drive
- Payment cleared in your account
- Signed receipt for both parties
- DVLA told and new keeper slip given
Practical tips
- Remove personal items, paired phones and saved addresses from the car's system before handing it over.
- Cancel or transfer your insurance and any automatic parking or toll accounts linked to the registration.
- Be wary of buyers who offer to pay more than the asking price or want to send a courier to collect the car.
Common problems
The buyer wants to pay by cheque or collect before the money arrives.
Politely refuse and wait until the payment has fully cleared. A genuine buyer will understand; if they insist, walk away.
I received a parking ticket for the car after I sold it.
Contact the issuer and show proof of the sale date and that you told the DVLA. This is why notifying the DVLA straight away matters.
The buyer complains of a fault after the sale.
Private sellers must describe the car accurately and have the right to sell it, but the rules are different from buying from a dealer. If you described the car honestly, explain this calmly; Citizens Advice can explain the rights on both sides.