by Selling privately means managing the advert, viewing and handover yourself. A clear description, organised paperwork and a patient approach make the process easier for you and the buyer.
1. Get the car and records ready
Clean the vehicle, gather the keys and paperwork, and note known faults. Review the MOT record and service invoices so you can answer questions accurately. Our car preparation guide covers this stage in detail.
If finance is still attached to the car, confirm the position and any sale arrangements with the lender first. Our finance guide explains the questions worth asking.
2. Set a realistic asking price
Compare similar cars by version, age, mileage, service evidence and condition. Decide your asking price and what you would accept before negotiating. An advertised price or valuation estimate is not a guaranteed sale price.
3. Write an honest advert
Use current photos and include the mileage, MOT details, service evidence, keys and known faults. Check the equipment fitted to your car before listing it. Explain missing records or uncertain mileage rather than making unsupported claims.
4. Arrange the viewing
Agree a sensible time and location, and consider having someone with you. Give the buyer time to inspect the car and documents. Before a test drive, check their driving licence and confirm appropriate insurance; do not assume a policy covers every driver.
The buying checklist shows the questions a prepared buyer is likely to ask.
5. Agree the sale and verify payment
Record the price, included items and any known issues in writing. Check receipt of payment through your own bank or payment provider, rather than relying on a screenshot or message supplied by the buyer. If anything about the transaction seems unclear, pause before handing over the vehicle.
6. Complete the paperwork
Use the current DVLA process for notifying the sale. Give the buyer the completed green new-keeper slip and follow the instructions for the online or postal method you choose. Do not rely on a section number copied from an older V5C.
Keep a signed sale receipt and the notification confirmation. Our documents checklist covers what to prepare.
7. Finish the handover
Remove belongings, saved addresses and paired devices from the car. Hand over the agreed keys and records, and tell your insurer about the sale.
Vehicle tax does not transfer to the buyer. They need to arrange their own tax before driving the car, as well as appropriate insurance. See our car tax guide and the official DVLA notification guidance.
Keep the evidence
Retain your advert, agreed terms, receipt, payment record and DVLA confirmation. These help you refer back to what was agreed and when the handover took place.