So, you’ve bought or sold a used Tesla—congratulations! Now comes an essential step: transferring ownership. Tesla vehicles are packed with smart features tied to the owner’s Tesla account, so making this transfer seamless ensures the new owner can fully enjoy their new ride. Let’s walk through the process step by step.
Step 1: Seller Prepares the Tesla for Transfer
Before handing over the keys, the seller should:
- Remove Personal Data:
- Go to the car’s touchscreen:
- Settings > Service > Factory Reset
- Confirm the reset to delete all personal data and restore factory settings.
- This step clears saved navigation locations, Bluetooth connections, and more.
- Go to the car’s touchscreen:
- Unlink the Car from Tesla Account:
- Log into the Tesla app or Tesla account on the web.
- Navigate to Manage > Remove Car from Account.
- Provide Documentation:
- Gather the title, bill of sale, and any related paperwork needed for registration in the buyer’s name.
Step 2: Buyer Takes Ownership
Once the seller has prepped the car, the buyer can claim ownership:
- Create a Tesla Account:
- If you don’t already have one, visit Tesla’s website or download the Tesla app and create an account.
- Submit Ownership Transfer Request:
- Log into your Tesla account.
- Go to Account Settings > Add a Vehicle.
- Enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and upload the required documents, such as:
- Proof of purchase (bill of sale).
- Copy of your driver’s license.
- Title or registration in your name.
- Wait for Tesla’s Approval:
- Tesla will review your request, which typically takes 1–3 business days.
- Activate the Tesla App:
- Once Tesla processes the transfer, the car will appear in your Tesla app, allowing you to control features like remote unlocking, charging monitoring, and climate settings.
Step 3: Update Additional Information
After the transfer is complete:
- Set Up Payment Methods:
- Add a payment method in the Tesla app for services like Supercharging.
- Check Software Updates:
- Ensure the Tesla is up to date by connecting it to Wi-Fi and checking for any pending updates via the touchscreen.
- Re-Register Services (if applicable):
- If the Tesla includes Premium Connectivity, the buyer may need to subscribe under their own account.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Seller Forgot to Remove the Car:
- Contact Tesla Support with proof of ownership to request manual disassociation.
- Missing Documents:
- Double-check your state’s DMV requirements and request duplicates from the seller if needed.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Transfer
- Supercharger Billing: Supercharging charges are tied to the Tesla account. Ensure the transfer is complete to avoid billing confusion.
- Warranty Transfer: Tesla warranties typically transfer to the new owner automatically. Confirm warranty coverage through your Tesla account after the transfer.
- Extended Warranty or Service Plans: If the seller purchased any add-ons, these can also transfer but might require contacting Tesla Support.
Final Thoughts
Transferring ownership of a used Tesla is straightforward with Tesla’s digital-first approach. By following these steps, the buyer can unlock the full Tesla experience, while the seller can close the sale confidently.
