Without being paranoid, but being fully aware of all the potential scammers and jackals out there, what is the safest and best way for the seller of a used car to turn over ownership and receive cash payment. The main concerns are being tricked, robbed, receiving counterfeit notes, etcetc.

Go in the bank wth the buyer, get there the cash and handover him the blue book and the other papers. SO EASY!

When we sold our CRV several years ago we met the buyers at the motor vehicle office, they counted out the money and my wife completed the transfer documents.

Two very excellent suggestions!

Thanks. This is actually my question/conern. Is it necessary for the seller to physically go to Dept of Transport together with buyer and receive a wad of cash in front of a bunch of strangers, and try to make it home in one piece, or is it possible to receive the cash beforehand in a secure location, hand over the docs and let the buyer go do the paperwork? Does handing over the paperwork complete the transaction? Again sorry for the paranoia, but it pays to plan ahead....

Go in the bank wth the buyer, get there the cash and handover him the blue book and the other papers. SO EASY!

Thanks. This is actually my question/concern. Is it necessary for the seller to physically go to Dept of Transport together with buyer and receive a wad of cash in front of a bunch of strangers, and try to make it home in one piece, or is it possible to receive the cash beforehand in a secure location, hand over the docs and let the buyer go do the paperwork? Does handing over the paperwork complete the transaction? Again sorry for the paranoia, but it pays to plan ahead....

Go in the bank wth the buyer, get there the cash and handover him the blue book and the other papers. SO EASY!

Go in the bank wth the buyer, get there the cash and handover him the blue book and the other papers. SO EASY!

And pay strict attention as you leave, especially if it's in a mall or something where there is a parking garage..