Paperwork and documents when buying a used car
Last updated: 19 June 2026
The right documents protect you and prove the car is legally and mechanically sound. Here's the paperwork checklist before you pay.
Why paperwork protects you
Documents prove ownership, history and legality. Missing or inconsistent paperwork is one of the strongest reasons to walk away from an otherwise tempting car.
1. Registration / title
Confirm the seller's name matches the registration document and an ID. Check the VIN and details on the document against the car itself.
2. Service history and invoices
A stamped service book and receipts prove maintenance and record mileage over time. They are gold for trust and for resale value later.
3. Roadworthiness / inspection certificate
Where required (e.g. MOT in the UK, contrôle technique in France, state inspection in the US), check the latest certificate and any advisories listed on it.
4. Vehicle-history report
Confirms accidents, write-offs, mileage timeline and number of owners. Treat it as essential, especially in a private sale.
5. Finance and lien check
Make sure there is no outstanding loan secured against the car, which could let a lender reclaim it after you buy.
6. The sale receipt / bill of sale
Get a written receipt with both parties' details, the car's VIN, the price, the date and a condition statement. Keep a copy.
7. Hand-over checklist
Collect all keys, the owner's manual, locking wheel-nut key, service records and any accessories, and complete the change of ownership promptly.
Pairing this paperwork with a CarGuard AI inspection report gives you a complete, documented picture of the car before money changes hands.