How Do I Buy a Car Out of State & Drive it Home?

It's not hard to buy a car in another state.

You can buy a new or a used car out of state and drive it home without much more difficulty than buying it in your hometown from from your local dealer or an individual. You'll need to follow certain steps to ensure that the process goes smoothly.

Instructions

1. Locate the car you'd like to buy and call or correspond with the seller by e-mail regarding availability. Ask about trade-in value of your present vehicle, and decide whether it is worth it to drive your present car to another state, trade it in and drive the new car back. Consider flying or taking a train to the state where you're buying your car, and selling your existing car independently instead.

   If you hear of a used car that is available in another state through a classified ad or via a friend or other type of contact, contact the seller to get all the pertinent information about the vehicle. It is also a good idea to request a written maintenance history and photographs of the vehicle, which can be sent via mail or electronically. You should always order a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check before you buy a used car.

2. Decide on the new or used car you want. Do some of the paperwork before you travel to pick up the car, such as signing the purchase agreement and obtaining auto insurance for the vehicle. When you drive the vehicle back from another state, you must have insurance, so contact your auto insurance agent beforehand and make sure the insurance will be in effect. You will also have to pay the sales tax required by the state in which you buy the car.

   If you buy a vehicle from a dealership, it will come with temporary license plates. These plates will allow you to drive the car back and give you time to purchase permanent license plates locally. If you buy a used vehicle from a private party, you will have to purchase permanent plates locally, take them with you to where the car is located and put them on the vehicle before driving back.

3. Travel to the state where the car is located and pick it up. Whether you are buying from a dealership or an individual, you will need to finalize paperwork, including financing arrangements, warranties and any additional insurance for the vehicle, such as "gap insurance."

   When buying a used car from a private individual, you will need to get the title, vehicle registration receipt, signed title application, bill of sale and any other supporting information from the seller.

4. Drive your car home. After you arrive, visit the appropriate county office to transfer the title to your state and to pay all applicable taxes and licensing fees. Your state may require that you present your sales tax receipt, and if your state's rate is higher than that of the state where you bought the car, you will be required to pay the difference. You'll also need to purchase license plates for the vehicle if you bought it from an out-of-state dealership.

References

• DMV Answers: How Do I Go About Buying a Car Out of State?
• The Unofficial DMV Guide: Buying a Car Out of State