Generally, no. You need legal authority to sell a vehicle. If the title isn’t in your name, you must either get it transferred to you first or obtain proper authorization from the legal owner. Selling someone else’s property without permission is illegal, regardless of the circumstances.
Situations and solutions:
- Bought car but never transferred title: Complete the title transfer at DMV, then sell
- Inherited vehicle: Get probate documents and transfer title to your name
- Spouse’s car: May need their signature or power of attorney
- Abandoned car on your property: Follow your state’s abandoned vehicle process
- Friend or family member’s car: Get written authorization or power of attorney
Power of attorney requirements:
- Document must specifically authorize vehicle sale
- Must be signed by the titled owner
- May need notarization depending on state
- Some states have specific DMV power of attorney forms
If the titled owner has passed away, the process depends on whether the estate went through probate. Executors can sell vehicles with proper court documentation. Small estate procedures exist in some states for low-value vehicles.
Never forge signatures or misrepresent ownership. These actions constitute fraud and can result in criminal charges. If the situation is complicated, consult your DMV or an attorney to find the legal path forward.
For vehicles abandoned on your property, learn how to get an abandoned vehicle title through proper legal channels.
