How to Buy a Car from a Private Seller

What you'll need¹

• Title.
• Copy of current registration (can't expire within the next 90 days).
• Smog certificate (dated within the last 90 days).
• To pay for sales tax and DMV-related fees (can be added to your loan).
• DMV Forms.²
  • Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (Reg 262) signed by seller and buyer.
  • Statement of Facts (Reg 256) for family transfers.
• For cars with a loan or a lease, additional documents will be needed.
  • 10-day payoff quote.
  • Authorization for Payoff form signed by the seller.
  • Lease buyout packet (if applicable).

How it works

Over the phone:

• Apply for an auto loan with us.³
• Test-drive the car you're interested in buying and, if possible, have a mechanic look it over.
• Call us at (800) 462-8328, ext. 8250, or email copies of the documents needed to myloan@schoolsfirstfcu.org.
• We'll be in contact with you within 2-3 business days after all documents are received to work on the loan.
• Loan documents will be emailed to you to sign. Please be sure your email address is updated.
• Receive the check in the mail to give to the seller.

At a branch:

• Apply for an auto loan with us.³
• Test-drive the car you're interested in buying and, if possible, have a mechanic look it over.
• Bring the seller into the branch with you, or be sure you bring in all the properly signed DMV forms. Please plan for a longer visit to complete your loan.
• Sit down with a representative to review and sign your loan documents.
• Receive the cashier's check, which will be made out to the seller.

Things you should know:

• Some purchases may have DMV restrictions that prevent us from helping with the transfer of title.

If you have questions about buying a car from a private seller, contact us at (800) 462-8328, ext. 8250.