Selling a car privately in Wyoming
Wyoming is a notary state: everyone named on the Wyoming title signs the assignment in front of a notary, and the buyer's name should already be written into the assignment before anyone signs. (For titles issued since 2020 with owners joined by OR, one notarized signature can suffice.) Titles run through the county clerk and plates and taxes through the county treasurer, so the county courthouse is the natural meeting point.
Wyoming gives the buyer breathing room: a notarized bill of sale or notarized title lets them drive in-state for up to 45 days while they complete title work. Sales tax is paid to the county treasurer, and penalties start if the buyer waits too long, so encourage prompt filing. Wyoming plates belong to the seller; remove them and transfer or surrender them at the county treasurer.
The checklist
- 1
Enter the buyer, then sign before a notary (Wyoming)
Write the buyer's name into the assignment first; then all owners sign in front of a notary.
- 2
Give the buyer a notarized bill of sale
It documents the price for county sales tax and lets the buyer drive in-state for up to 45 days while title work is pending.
- 3
Remove your license plates
Wyoming plates belong to the seller. Take them off and handle transfer or surrender at the county treasurer.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
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Does a Wyoming car title need to be notarized?
Yes. All owners on the title sign the assignment before a notary, with the buyer's name entered first. For post-2020 titles with names joined by OR, one notarized signature may suffice.
Can the buyer drive right after a Wyoming sale?
Yes, within Wyoming, for up to 45 days on a notarized bill of sale or notarized title while their title and registration are pending.
Where does the paperwork go in Wyoming?
Titles go through the county clerk; plates, registration, and sales tax through the county treasurer. Requirements can vary slightly by county, so a quick call ahead helps.
Do I keep my plates when I sell a car in Wyoming?
Yes. Wyoming plates stay with the seller. Remove them and transfer or surrender them at your county treasurer's office.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.