How To Sell a Car in Wyoming

Selling a motor vehicle in Wyoming requires compliance with state law governing title transfer, ownership documentation, odometer disclosure, and sales tax collection. Both private-party sellers and buyers must follow specific procedures administered by the Wyoming Department of Transportation and county clerk offices to ensure the sale is legally valid and the buyer obtains a certificate of title.

What You Need To Know Before Selling a Car in Wyoming

Title Law and Ownership Requirements

Under Wyoming Statute W.S. 31-2-101, any motor vehicle with an identifying number must be titled in Wyoming. The owner of a vehicle must hold a valid Wyoming certificate of title before transferring the vehicle to a buyer. The certificate of title serves as prima facie proof of ownership. Upon transfer of ownership, the seller must endorse an assignment and warranty of title on the certificate, certifying ownership and disclosing any liens or encumbrances. The seller completes this assignment on the reverse side of the title and must have the signature notarized.

Vehicles Exempt From Title Requirements

Certain vehicles are not subject to Wyoming title issuance requirements. Per W.S. 31-2-102, a certificate of title is not required for vehicles owned by the United States, implements of husbandry (except multipurpose vehicles qualifying as implements of husbandry), and vehicles of nonresident owners already titled in another state. Vehicles designated as antiques (at least 25 model years old and owned solely as collector's items) may have different titling procedures.

Satisfying an Existing Lien

If a lienholder has filed a lien against the vehicle, the lien must be fully satisfied and released before the title can be transferred to a buyer. The seller must contact the lienholder to request a lien release or termination statement. Upon confirmation that the loan is paid in full, the lienholder provides a signed lien release or termination statement that must accompany the title assignment. The county clerk will not issue a new title to the buyer until all liens shown on the title are released or an executed lien release is provided.

No Inspection or Emissions Test Required for Private Sales

Wyoming does not require a safety inspection or emissions test for private-party vehicle sales. An inspection of the vehicle identification number (VIN) is required only when titling an out-of-state vehicle in Wyoming for the first time or when titling a vehicle lacking a valid prior title. Private sellers are not obligated to obtain a VIN inspection before the sale.

Documents Required To Sell a Car in Wyoming

Certificate of Title

The certificate of title is the primary document establishing ownership and must be transferred to the buyer. The seller completes the assignment section on the reverse of the existing Wyoming title by providing the buyer's full legal name and address, the date of sale, the current odometer reading, and the seller's signature exactly as it appears on the face of the title. The seller must have this signature notarized before a notary public or authorized official. The county clerk will not accept any title that has been altered through correction fluid or similar means.

Bill of Sale

A bill of sale is strongly recommended for all private vehicle transfers in Wyoming, though not mandated by statute. Per W.S. 31-2-104(h)(ii), if the buyer intends to operate the vehicle before obtaining a new title, the bill of sale must be notarized if the buyer plans to operate the vehicle for up to 60 calendar days on the bill of sale alone. The bill of sale must contain the full name and complete physical address of the buyer, the full name and complete address of the seller, the date of sale, the complete vehicle description including the VIN, make, year, model, and body type, the purchase price, and signatures of both the seller and the buyer. Wyoming does not provide an official state bill of sale form; sellers may use any bill of sale substantially conforming to the statutory requirements listed in W.S. 31-2-104(h)(ii).

Odometer Disclosure Statement

Federal law requires disclosure of the vehicle's odometer reading at the time of transfer. Per W.S. 31-2-103(a)(v), the seller must provide an odometer disclosure statement certifying one of the following: the odometer reading reflects the actual mileage of the vehicle, the mileage exceeds the odometer's mechanical limits, or the odometer reading does not reflect the actual mileage. The form must be signed by the seller and retained by the county clerk upon application for the new title.

County clerk offices provide odometer disclosure statement forms that comply with federal and state requirements. Failure to complete or providing a false odometer statement may result in federal penalties.

Lien Release or Termination Statement

If any lien or security interest appears on the title, the seller must obtain a signed lien release or termination statement from each lienholder confirming that the debt has been satisfied. This document must accompany the assigned title when delivered to the buyer or submitted to the county clerk. Without a valid lien release, the county clerk will not issue a new title to the buyer.

How To Transfer a Car Title in Wyoming

Step 1: Review the Title Before the Sale

The seller should obtain the original certificate of title and verify that it is unaltered and clearly reflects the seller's name as the owner. The seller should examine the front of the title for any liens or encumbrances and verify that all lien information is current. If the original title has been lost or mutilated, the seller must apply to the county clerk for a duplicate title before proceeding with the sale. The seller should also contact any lienholder listed on the title to confirm the loan payoff amount and timing for lien release.

Step 2: Complete the Title Assignment With Notarization

At the time of sale, the seller completes the assignment section on the reverse of the title. The seller enters the buyer's full legal name and address, the date of sale, and the current odometer reading, then signs the assignment exactly as the name appears on the front of the title. If joint ownership is indicated by "and" between names, both owners must sign. If the names are joined by "or," only one owner signature is required. Per W.S. 31-2-103(d), the seller then takes the assigned title to a notary public and has the seller's signature on the assignment notarized. The notary completes the notarization statement on the reverse of the title and affixes the notary seal. Notarization is essential; without it, the county clerk will not accept the title assignment.

Step 3: Prepare the Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure

The seller prepares a bill of sale containing all required information and, if applicable, has it notarized in the presence of both the seller and buyer if the buyer intends to operate the vehicle for up to 60 days before obtaining the new title. The seller completes an odometer disclosure statement certifying the odometer reading and signs it in the buyer's presence. Both documents should be executed at the time of the sale transaction to ensure accuracy of dates and information.

Step 4: Deliver Documents to the Buyer

On the date of sale, the seller delivers the following to the buyer: the original Wyoming certificate of title with the notarized assignment completed on the reverse side, any lien release or termination statement from the lienholder (if applicable), a signed copy of the bill of sale, and the completed odometer disclosure statement. The seller retains copies of the bill of sale and any other transaction documents for personal records.

Step 5: Buyer Submits Application Through County Clerk

The buyer must apply for a new certificate of title at the county clerk's office in the buyer's county of residence within 45 calendar days of the date of purchase. Per W.S. 31-2-201(a)(ii)(D), the buyer may operate the vehicle during this 45-day period when accompanied by the properly executed and notarized title or a notarized bill of sale. The buyer must complete the Application for Certificate of Title and VIN/HIN Inspection Form (MV-300A), providing information about the vehicle, proof of ownership, and any other documentation required by the county clerk. Per W.S. 31-2-103(d), the buyer must also present proof of payment of Wyoming sales or use tax before a new title is issued.

Title Transfer Fee Schedule in Wyoming

The following fees apply to title-related transactions through the county clerk, as established under W.S. 31-3-102:

Fees are subject to change; sellers and buyers should verify current fee amounts with the applicable county clerk's office or the Wyoming Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

Sales Tax on Private Vehicle Sales

Under Wyoming law, a sales or use tax must be paid on all motor vehicle purchases, including private-party sales. The state excise tax rate is 4% of the purchase price. Individual counties may impose an additional local excise tax, bringing the total sales tax rate to an average of 5.56%, depending on the county of residence. The buyer is responsible for paying sales or use tax to the county treasurer. Sales tax must be paid prior to the vehicle's first registration. The county clerk will not issue a new certificate of title until the buyer presents proof of tax payment or documentation of a valid tax exemption.

What To Do After Selling Your Car in Wyoming

Remove and Manage License Plates

Upon the sale or transfer of the vehicle, the seller must immediately remove the license plates. Per W.S. 31-2-214(a), the registration of the vehicle expires upon transfer of ownership, and the original owner shall immediately remove the license plates. Wyoming license plates are the property of the owner, not the vehicle, and may be transferred to another vehicle or surrendered to the county treasurer. If the seller acquires another vehicle, the plates may be transferred if the new vehicle is of a like classification.

Cancel or Transfer Insurance

After the sale is finalized and the plates are removed, the seller should contact the automobile insurance provider to cancel coverage on the sold vehicle or transfer the existing policy to a replacement vehicle. Maintaining insurance on a vehicle no longer owned exposes the seller to unnecessary premium charges.

Retain Documentation

The seller should retain copies of the executed bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, and any lien release documents. These documents may be needed to defend the seller against liability claims relating to the sold vehicle or to demonstrate that the sale was properly completed and that the vehicle was transferred free of the seller's further ownership interest.

Contact Information

Wyoming Department of Transportation — Motor Vehicle Services Division
5300 Bishop Boulevard, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009
Phone: (307) 777-4709
Official Website: Wyoming Department of Transportation — Titles, Plates and Registration

For title transfers and questions specific to your county, contact the county clerk's office in your county of residence. A directory of Wyoming county clerk offices is available through WYDOT's County Clerks Title Offices listing.