Checked against the federal odometer rule (49 CFR Part 580 on eCFR), NHTSA and FTC consumer pages on 2026-10-07. Rules change; the agency's current text and your state's instructions win.
Here's the outline, free. The order is a suggestion, not a set of deadlines; your state's motor vehicle page says what a private sale needs and by when.
| ✓ | Step | What the official page says | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Buyer: see the title | "Ask to see the title and compare the mileage on it with the vehicle's odometer." | NHTSA |
| ☐ | Buyer: history report | "A vehicle history report is not a substitute for an independent vehicle inspection." | FTC |
| ☐ | Buyer: recalls | "Enter the vehicle's VIN to find out if a vehicle is subject to an open recall." | FTC; NHTSA lookup |
| ☐ | Buyer: inspection | "experts agree that you should have an independent mechanic inspect a used car before you buy it." | FTC |
| ☐ | Seller: odometer disclosure | "This disclosure must be signed by the transferor and must contain the transferor's printed name." | 49 CFR 580.5 |
| ☐ | Both: payment | "Don't accept a check for more than the selling price." | FTC |
| ☐ | Both: your state's paperwork | Each state sets its own title, plate, registration and tax rules; read your state's page. | State links |
A 12-page PDF with the federal odometer rule, NHTSA and FTC quotes and links in one order, questions to look up on your state's page, links for all 50 states and DC, and an editable Word file with 8 forms. Organizing and questions only: no legal or tax advice, and no state steps, fees or deadlines restated.
Get the Private-Party Car Sale Checklist (PDF + Word), $9
Instant download. 14-day no-questions refund. Edition 1.0, dated 2026-10-07. For a private sale in any U.S. state or DC; each state's own rules you read on its own pages.