What Paperwork Do I Need to Trade in My Car?

Considering trading in your car? If so, you obviously want to be prepared. One question you probably have is, “What paperwork do I need to trade in my car?” Fortunately, United BMW has the answers you seek. Read on to learn more about the car trade-in documents needed to complete the sale of your vehicle. When you’re ready, head over to our value your trade-in tool, so you can get an estimate on your current car. 

Trade-In Documents to Bring to the Dealership 

After you’ve gotten your trade-in estimate, start putting your documents together, so you can visit us at United BMW and begin the trade-in process. Do you need a title to trade in a car? Yes — and you’ll need a couple of other documents as well. For starters, you’ll want to bring the following for our reference: 

• Car’s Title – You can’t trade in your car without the title. If the title has a secured party on it, such as your lender, be sure to bring your payoff letter or and 10-day payoff statement. We’ll need their contact information as well. 
• Registration – Bring a current copy of your car’s registration. This document connects you with the car you own, so it’s necessary to bring it with you if you’re planning to transfer ownership. 
• Service Records (Optional) – If your car is up-to-date on its schedule maintenance, bring the records with you. Well-documented service history is a great selling point for any used car, and you could possibly get more money from the sale. 

In addition to those documents, you’ll also want to bring your driver’s license, proof of income, and proof of residency. You’ll especially need these items if you’re planning to finance or lease another vehicle. 

How to Get the Highest Value for Your Trade-In 

Naturally, you want to get the highest value possible for your car. Before you head to the dealership with the documents you’ve collected, consider doing the following to potentially boost your vehicle’s resale value: 

• Clean Your Car: A clean car makes a good impression on a dealer; it shows the car was likely treated well. Vacuum your car’s carpets, wipe down the surfaces, and clean the windows. Dispose of any trash. 
• Fix the Small Things: While you don’t want to spend money on a car that you’re trading in any way, you can fix small scratches, dents, or scruffs to make it look nicer. Again, this will make a better impression on the dealer. Leave larger repairs to the dealer, who will use their in-house service center to complete the work. 

We Buy Cars at United BMW! 

At United BMW, we specialize in BMW, but we buy used cars from all different makes. If you have questions about our trade-in process, contact us online or call us at 678-890-0741 to speak with us directly. Or, if you’re looking for more car buying or car selling tips, check out our information hub to learn more!