How to Buy a Car in Another State

If you’ve found a great deal on a vehicle across state lines, you can certainly buy a car in another state that you don’t live in. Although the process might not be exactly the same as buyin a car in state, there are enough similarities that buying a car out of state shouldn’t be a problem. 

Whether you’re in West Palm Beach, or Jupiter, we can help you with buying a car in another state, whether you’re going to Georgia, Alabama, or even on the other side of the country.

Read our handy guide on how to buy a car in another state, brought to you from the experts at McLaren Palm Beach.

Registering a Car Bought in Another State

When you buy a car in another state, you must register it in your state of residence. Fortunately, it’s a fairly straightforward process. Registering your vehicle only requires a few basic documents and a trip to the DMV. 

Follow the steps below.

1. After you buy your vehicle, ask for a bill of sale that shows the purchase price you paid for it.
2. Locate the closest DMV in your state on a website like DMV Near Me.
3. When you go to the DMV, take the following items with you so you can get license plates for your vehicle:
1. Bill of sale
2. Proof of residency in the state where you live
3. Your completed vehicle transaction form
4. Title of your new vehicle signed by the previous owner
5. The lienholders’ name and address if you have a loan on it
6. Filled out odometer disclosure form
7. Money to pay registration fees
8. Proof of insurance
9. Any forms required by your home state to fill out

Inform the DMV clerk that you purchased the vehicle out of state with the intent of titling and registering it in the state where you live.

1. The clerk will likely return your bill of sale but keep the title from the state where you purchased the vehicle.
2. The clerk will ask you to pay the difference in sales tax between the two states. 
3. Check your mailbox for your new car title, printed out with your information on it, and if there are any financial institutions that loaned you the money to purchase a vehicle.

Taxes and Fees on Out-of-State Cars

Buying a car out of state means you’ll have to pay the difference in sales tax. You’ll also have to pay processing fees for your documentation. Don’t worry about having to pay hundreds of extra dollars. It will likely cost about the same as registering a new car from Wellington or Boca Raton. 

Test Drive a New or Pre-Owned Vehicle Today

Whether you’re buying a car in another state or shopping for a new or certified pre-owned vehicle for sale near Palm Beach Gardens, we’re happy to help you test drive a new McLaren. We can also answer any other questions you have about how to buy a car in another state. We invite you to explore our inventory to find the right vehicle for your budget and lifestyle. See if you can save money by looking over our new vehicle specials or pre-owned vehicle specials, and be sure to explore our car buying tips for more helpful reads!