What Documents Do I Need To Trade In My Car?

trade-car

Whether you're ready to upgrade to a new Lincoln SUV for your daily commute to Macon or for your family's adventures out past Dublin, you probably want to know what paperwork you need to trade in your current car. When you trade in your current vehicle, your equity will be applied to the new vehicle, increasing your down payment and reducing the loan amount required or your monthly lease payment. But, before bringing your vehicle to Five Star Lincoln Warner Robins to get appraised, you'll need to know: What documents do you need to trade in a car?

In this guide, the finance team at Five Star Lincoln Warner Robins will go over all the documents you need to complete your trade-in, as well as answer common questions such as: 

  • What paperwork do I need to trade in my car?
  • Do I need my title to trade in my car?
  • Can you trade in a car without a title?
  • Do you need registration to trade in a car?
  • Can you trade in a car with expired registration?

 

Learn everything you need about trade-in documentation with Five Star Lincoln Warner Robins below.

Documents You Need To Trade In A Car

The types of documents required to complete a trade-in will vary by state and dealership. That said, if you plan on trading in your car near Macon, you generally only need the car title and registration. To get the most for your vehicle, however, consider bringing in your vehicle's maintenance records to show you've kept up with routine services throughout your ownership. 

Paperwork Needed To Trade In Your Car - FAQs

Do I Need My Title To Trade In My Car?

Yes, you do need a title to trade in your car. A car's title proves ownership and, without it, the dealership cannot verify that the vehicle is yours to sell. If your title has a secured party listed, you'll also need to bring the payoff letter or obtain the payoff amount and contact information from the lender. 

Can You Trade In A Car Without a Title?

No, you cannot trade in a car without a title. If you've lost your title, visit the DMV and fill out an application to receive a new title. The new title must be in your possession to complete the trade-in. 

Do You Need Your Registration To Trade In a Car?

Those who plan on transferring their license plates to their new vehicle will need their registration to trade in their car. However, it is possible to trade in a vehicle without registration, but you may receive less money for your trade-in as a result. 

Can You Trade In A Car With Expired Registration?

Yes, you can trade in a car with expired registration. That said, driving around Dublin without up-to-date registration is illegal, so you'll either need to find a legal way to transport your car to the dealership or renew the registration. 

Trade In Your Vehicle At Five Star Lincoln Warner Robins

Now that you know what paperwork you need to trade in your car, you're ready to visit our showroom in Warner Robbins. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and test drive of a new Lincoln vehicle at Five Star Lincoln Warner Robins. Our team will review the benefits of each model and the standard and available features of each trim level to ensure you find the best vehicle for your lifestyle. We will walk you through the entire trade-in process so you can get the most value out of your current model. In the meantime, value your trade and browse our finance options with our online tools to get a head start on your car-buying journey.