Everything You Should Know Before Purchasing a Vehicle Outside Your State

It’s critical to be aware of the procedure if you’re considering buying an automobile in another state. Buying an automobile outside of your native state is different from doing so in certain respects.

While you might be able to find a certain vehicle that isn’t offered locally or save money, without proper planning, you might incur unexpected fees.

Reasons to Buy a Vehicle Outside of Your State

There are a few factors that could influence your decision to buy a car in another state. Perhaps you discovered an antique or unusual model across the nation or a fantastic price from a vendor in the next state.

Vehicle prices in different states may be determined according to differing standards, therefore cars in a neighboring state might be a little less expensive.

The cost varies as a result of supply and demand as well. If a particular brand and model are very popular in your community, you might be able to get a better deal by looking for the same vehicle in a different market.

Things to Think About When Purchasing an Out-of-State Car
It is entirely legal to purchase an automobile outside of your home state, but the procedure is significantly different.

For instance, rather than the state where you bought the automobile, you must pay sales tax to the state where you will register it. As a result, even if you purchase an automobile in a state without sales tax, your home state may still require you to pay sales tax.

If you intend to drive the car back to your home state, you might need to obtain a temporary registration card from the state where you bought it. Also, you should confirm that the vehicle complies with your state’s emissions regulations, not the state in which you bought it.

For instance, if you reside in California, a car you bought in Nevada might not pass the emissions inspection required by your state. You should inquire with the seller if your vehicle complies with the requirements since some vehicles bear labels stating that they were created to meet the emissions testing requirements of all 50 states.

It should be simple enough to drive an automobile you purchase in a nearby state back to your own. But, shipping the vehicle back home could offset any possible savings if you’re purchasing a car across the country. If you’re dealing with a dealership, they could know someone who can help you ship the automobile home for a lower cost.

How to Purchase a Vehicle Outside Your State

It’s crucial to comprehend the procedure and requirements before buying a car from out of state in order to legally register and operate the vehicle in your home state.

Take a look at the vehicle history report.

Get a copy of the vehicle history record before traveling to the seller’s location to view the automobile if you’re considering purchasing it from outside the state. This report includes details on collisions, recalls, upkeep, and title problems including rebuilt titles. It will raise concerns that may either prevent you from purchasing the vehicle or have an impact on your negotiations.

When you attempt to take the vehicle back to your home state, for instance, you should pay off any liens that the vehicle history report reveals are on the title. If not, you can be held liable for those liens in law.

Get an Inspection

It’s a good idea to have the automobile properly inspected by a mechanic before you agree to buy it if the car you wish to buy is used. Ask the technician to complete a used car check when you bring the vehicle to a local auto body shop.

The technician will examine the vehicle’s primary components and systems, including the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, tires, and steering system. If the mechanic discovers any issues, use it as leverage to reduce the seller’s asking price or interpret it as a message to back out of the agreement.

Find out what emissions and safety tests are necessary.

To find out what inspections your automobile needs, get in touch with your state’s DMV or visit their website.

This may involve odometer, emissions, and/or safety testing, depending on state legislation. Before you can finish the registration process, you will need to make the required repairs if your automobile fails the inspection.

Identify the Vehicle in Your State

You can go to the DMV with the inspection certification, your bill of sale, your driver’s license, and proof of address once your car has passed the inspection. A form for verifying your vehicle identification number (VIN) may also be required. You can register the car in your name and at your residence with the help of these papers.

Make sure to learn how long it takes to register a car in a new state. Often, in order to avoid penalties, you must finish this step within 30 days of the purchase. On the other hand, if you bought the car from an out-of-state dealer, they might assist you in completing the necessary registration paperwork.

Pay your state’s sales tax.

You have to pay sales tax on your car as part of the registration process. The percentage of sales tax your state levies on other goods and automobiles is the same. Even if the state where you purchased the car has a sales tax, you won’t be charged if you reside in one that does not.

If you purchased the vehicle from a dealership, the dealer may have taken care of your sales tax and given you a receipt. Upon registering the vehicle if you purchased it from a private seller, you would be required to pay the sales tax at your neighborhood DMV. Bring your bill of sale from the transaction or the dealership’s receipt when you go to the DMV.

Get Car Insurance

Even before you get your new car back home, you need to obtain auto insurance in order to drive it lawfully. Even before you add the automobile to your insurance, several insurers offer short-term coverage for new cars.

If this clause is absent from your policy or if you don’t already have auto insurance, you must immediately secure protection. In addition, the lender may have particular insurance requirements if you are taking out a loan to buy the car.

It’s a good idea to request a vehicle insurance quote from your current insurance provider before buying a new or used car. You might not be aware of the vehicle’s insurance costs, which could cause you to reconsider buying it.