How to Buy a Car in Another State

Whether your dream car is available outside of Tennessee or you have found a better deal in a different state, you will probably find yourself asking “Can I buy a car out of state?” Definitely! If the thought of buying a car in another state seems too intimidating, rest assured because while buying a car out of state is slightly different, it is still a relatively simple process. The finance team at Casey's Frontier Chevrolet Of Livingston has put together a guide on how to buy a car in another state, so you can be confident when you go on your journey for the exact car you’ve been waiting to get behind the wheels of!

How to Register a Car Bought in Another State

Now that you know the answer to, “Can I buy a car out of state?” is yes, you ‘e probably hopping into your current ride or getting on a train to take your new car home. Once you drive the car purchased back home in Livingston, you will need to register the car in your home state as soon as possible. All you need to do is visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to add your license plate. Here are the following steps:

1. Ask for a bill of sale that has the purchase price you paid listed clearly and find a DMV near Cookeville on a website like DMV Near Me.
2. When you visit your local DMV, be sure to bring the following items with you:
   1. Bill of sale
   2. Completed application for vehicle transaction form
   3. Title of the vehicle signed by the previous owner (If buying a used car)
   4. Lienholders’ names and address
   5. Filled out odometer disclosure state for title transfer
   6. Tax Form RUT-50 Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction
   7. Registration Fees
   8. Proof of insurance (You can obtain it from your insurance company.)
3. Once you’re there, tell the DMV clerk that you bought the car out of state with the intent of titling and registering it at your address.
4. Then, the clerk will probably return your bill of sale and keep your Tennessee title, and ask that you pay the appropriate difference in sales tax between the two states.
5. You are finished with your visit to the DMV and now you will have to wait for a new title in your mailbox!

Taxes and Fees for Buying a Car Out of State

If the process on how to buy a car in another state doesn’t concern you but the extra taxes and fees does, then we assure you that the process will still be relatively the same as registering a new car that you buy in the Sparta area. Here are the major payments you will need to make when buying a car in another state:

• Your local sales tax,
• The difference between Tennessee and other states’ sales tax, and
• Any applicable processing fees at your DMV

While you will need to pay sales taxes and other fees, chances are you still might save money on your out-of-state vehicle purchase! As long as you follow best practices when it comes to buying a vehicle, such as making sure to look at the vehicle history report for a pre-owned car, then you should be good to go.

Learn More Car Buying Tips from Casey's Frontier Chevrolet Of Livingston

If you have already shopped at Casey's Frontier Chevrolet Of Livingston first and can’t find the model you want, then you should cast a wider net! While we will miss the chance to offer you a transparent and friendly experience in the Livingston area, we will still be here to offer any car-buying advice. Feel free to contact us!