How to Buy a New Car From a Different State

Buying a car in a different state is an easy process, as long as you pay the proper sales tax and file necessary paperwork with your department of motor vehicles. Purchasing out of state can save you money if a particular area's new-car market is more competitive than that of your hometown. New-car dealerships that focus on high sales volume may offer special prices via their website to attract out-of-state buyers. By completing research online before accepting an offer, you can find a good deal and quickly process your title and registration paperwork.

Instructions

1

Arrange a delivery time with the salesperson. If you are traveling a long distance to purchase from out of state, make sure that all paperwork will be ready to avoid wasted time.

2

Complete title and registration paperwork at the dealership. This paperwork will title and register the vehicle in the state of purchase, not your home state. Among the paperwork is a bill of sale, sales-tax statement, application for vehicle title and a temporary registration. If your home state is reciprocal with the state of purchase, you must also pay or finance your home state's sales tax. Once the paperwork is complete, the dealership will issue you a temporary registration and license plate. This will allow you to operate the vehicle legally for a set period of time, usually between 14 and 30 days, while you transfer your in-state license plate.

3

Await the arrival of paperwork. A few weeks after you purchase a new vehicle, you will receive the out-of-state title.

4

Visit your state's department of motor vehicles. Bring your title, bill of sale and any proof of sales tax paid on the vehicle transaction. Once the department confirms the title is legitimate and reviews that sales tax has been paid, you will apply for title and registration in your home state. Although a dealership will take care of most registration paperwork, you may need to have the out-of-state title notarized before applying for an in-state title. Check with your local department of motor vehicles. If you took a loan to finance the vehicle, you may not be issued a local title, instead receiving a registration for a vehicle with a foreign title. Laws vary from state to state. You may also be required to show proof of insurance coverage that meets your state minimums.

5

Review the paperwork. As the vehicle is being retitled and reregistered in your home state, make sure that the name, address and VIN number is correct on all forms filed with the department of motor vehicles.