Because there’s no single “right” way to sell a car—only the way that fits your priorities. Kelley Blue Book is the only place where you can start with one trusted valuation and see every legitimate way to sell your car in one guided experience: 

• Sell to a local dealer 

• Sell privately to another consumer 

• Sell directly to Kelley Blue Book 

We explain the differences so you can choose with confidence—no pressure to commit to any one path. 

No. Getting a value or exploring your options doesn’t lock you into anything. You can compare paths, see how pricing and effort differ, and decide when you’re ready. 

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) delivers trusted car valuations by leveraging a powerful blend of data and analytics. Behind every estimate is a proprietary algorithm that processes millions of data points from auctions, dealerships, and private sales. It doesn’t stop at the basics—KBB factors in your car’s condition, mileage, and optional features, while also accounting for broader market dynamics like economic trends, seasonal shifts, and regional demand. The result? Accurate, real-world values tailored to different transaction types, whether you’re trading in, selling privately, or buying. 

Yes, if your car is not in an otherwise excluded category. 

Yes. The Participating Dealer will process the necessary paperwork for you to pay off your vehicle and pay any related fees. Any remaining equity is yours to cash in or use toward the purchase of another vehicle. If your car is financed, bring your lienholder information. If your car is leased, check with your leasing company to find out what paperwork they require. 

There are a variety of reasons why cars may not be eligible. Some possible reasons include, but are not limited to, title issues (salvage, grey market, taxis or limousines), market volatility, lack of market data, unresolved recalls, low value due to age or condition, vehicle modifications, or if the vehicle has been at an auction within the last 45 days. 

What you need can vary depending on the selling path you choose, but most car sales require a few core documents to get started. 

In general, you should be prepared to have: 

• Your car title (or loan/lease information if there’s still a balance) 

• A bill of sale 

• A vehicle history report 

• Maintenance and service records 

• A valid driver’s license or other government‑issued photo ID 

Some selling options may require additional steps—like inspections, photos, or ownership verification—while others handle more of the paperwork for you. 

There will be a fee, but you can replace it. You can apply for the replacement by visiting your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) branch. First, go to your state’s DMV website to see what information and documents you need to take. 

• The VIN is on the driver’s side of the dashboard by the window or on the driver’s side doorjamb. It is also listed on your auto insurance card and on your state vehicle registration form. 

• The letters ‘I’, ‘O’ and ‘Q’ never appear in a VIN. 

• The VIN must be exactly 17 characters in length. 

• A VIN is assigned to each car by the manufacturer when the car is built. Each car manufactured after 1980 has a unique VIN 

First, you must accurately describe the condition of your car online. Then enter vehicle details like VIN, year, make, model, mileage and features. After that, you’ll be able to receive your Instant Cash Offer certificate. Once your car’s condition is verified by the dealer’s inspection, your offer can be immediately redeemed during business hours at any participating dealer. You’ll get paid the agreed amount on the spot, usually via check or electronic transfer. You have the option to keep this or use it as a down payment for your next vehicle .

Take your car to a Participating Dealer to verify its condition and redeem your Instant Cash Offer. We’ll provide you with a list of Participating Dealers, and you’re free to choose which to visit. 

A participating dealer will complete a visual inspection and may test drive your vehicle. If the vehicle condition differs from what was reported online, the offer may be adjusted. 

Bring your Instant Cash Offer certificate, vehicle title or lienholder information, vehicle registration, a valid photo ID, all keys and remotes, and any available service records. 

To give you choice, Kelley Blue Book may connect you with up to three participating dealers who are interested in your car. This helps you compare options and decide which offer works best for you.

If you choose to sell through an Instant Cash Offer, you’ll take your car to a participating dealer to verify its condition and complete the sale. We’ll show you nearby participating dealers, and you’re free to choose which one you visit.

When a buyer purchases your vehicle, we’ll hold the funds securely until the handoff is complete. Once delivery is confirmed by the buyer, you’ll receive your payment through trusted methods like ACH or wire transfer usually within one to two business days. Full fraud protection and title verification are covered too, so you can rest easy.  

Compared to the other options, Private Seller exchange puts you in control from listing to sale of the car. Here is a general overview of how it works.

• Organize your paperwork, thoroughly clean the vehicle and then determine your car’s value in order to price it accordingly. 

• Write a detailed description of your car and take many good photos, both inside and outside of the car. 

• When buyers start contacting you, you’ll need to be prepared to deal with questions about your car and requests for test drives. 

• Once you have a qualified buyer lined up, come to an agreement on price, finalize the transaction while protecting yourself financially and legally and then transfer the title and ownership 

• Pricing depends on how quickly you want to sell. Kelley Blue Book values can help guide pricing based on similar vehicles, mileage, condition, and local demand. You can adjust the price to reflect your car’s condition and market trends. Once your listing is live, buyers can view it and make offers through PSX’s secure chat system. When you accept an offer, PSX handles the rest—managing payment, title transfer, and ensuring the transaction is safe and smooth. 

If your car has a loan: 

When listing, provide your lender’s name, your loan account number, and your estimated payoff amount (often called a “10‑day payoff,” which your lender can provide with a quick call). 

If your car is leased: 

Private Seller Exchange can’t complete a sale on a leased vehicle. You can sell using Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer, or buy out your lease first if you’d like to sell through PSX. 

After you find a buyer: 

When you have a buyer, we’ll confirm your final payoff or buyout amount directly with your lender. If your car sells for more than you owe, you keep the difference. If it sells for less, you’ll need to pay the remaining balance at the point of sale (sometimes called being “underwater”). PSX can’t finance this difference, but our team can help you understand your options, 

The platform includes built‑in guardrails such as: 

• Verified buyers and sellers 

• Secure, in‑platform chat 

• Identity checks 

• Funds held securely until the handoff is complete 

Your personal contact information is never publicly displayed. 

After we pick up your car, Kelley Blue Book will send you the agreed amount directly to your bank account. All you need to do is sign your title and mail it to us with the prepaid envelope that we provide.  

Yes. After a remote inspection and ID verification, Kelley Blue Book arranges pickup at your location and sends payment directly to your bank 

You’ll upload photos of your car, answer a few condition questions, and verify your identity. This helps ensure the offer is accurate and secure. 

Yes. Once verification and inspection steps are complete, our transport provider will reach out to you to coordinate the best time to pick up your vehicle. Be sure to remove any personal items out of vehicle.