Buying a Car Out-of-State: A Complete Guide to Bring It Home

1. Should You Retrieve the Car Yourself or Ship It?

The first thing you must consider is how your new car will reach your driveway. Typically, you have two options: personally pick up the car or have it shipped. MotorVero recommends considering costs, convenience, and your preference for driving long distances.

To pick up the car yourself, factor in expenses like airfare, fuel, lodging, and meal costs. If the car is within driving distance from a commercial airport, you can also arrange for the seller to pick you up. Another advantage is that this road trip can double as a mini-vacation, with your new car serving as a unique keepsake from the journey. Alternatively, if you need to trade in your current car, you may have to opt for in-person retrieval.

Shipping costs, on the other hand, vary based on distance, location, and season. MotorVero's services can help simplify the shipping process, providing transparency and convenience throughout.

2. Get Car Insurance Before You Finalize Purchase

Proper insurance is essential before your car hits the road. Most states require proof of insurance to operate any vehicle on public roads. Once you decide to purchase a car, add it to your insurance plan immediately. Many insurers will issue a 30-day temporary insurance card before providing an official card.

Additionally, some insurance companies offer a grace period for extending your existing coverage for up to 30 days after buying a new car. However, this only applies if you already have active car insurance covering another vehicle. If you plan to ship your car, it is wise to ensure the vehicle is insured, as the shipping company’s insurance will only cover damages during transit and ends once the vehicle is delivered.

3. Obtain Temporary Registration

In most cases, the dealership will provide a temporary registration that allows you to drive your car home legally. These temporary tags typically last 30 to 60 days, offering sufficient time for you to complete the process of registering the car in your home state.

If you buy from a private seller, it could be more challenging to obtain temporary registration. Depending on your state, you may need to purchase a temporary permit from a local motor vehicle office. Contact both the motor vehicle offices of the purchase state and your home state to determine whether temporary registration is required and the steps needed.

4. Make Sure You Have the Right Paperwork

Documentation is key to bringing your out-of-state vehicle home. Common paperwork includes:

• Bill of Sale: This shows the purchase date and price paid.
• Title: Ensure the title is properly signed and dated by both the seller and yourself.
• VIN Verification: Verification of the vehicle identification number might be required.
• Lender Documentation: Proof that the vehicle has a lienholder, if applicable.

In some cases, the documents may need to be notarized. Additionally, if buying from a private seller, you must ensure the bill of sale complies with your home state’s requirements for title transfer. Your local DMV may have printable templates available for your convenience.

5. Dealer Assistance with Registration

Dealerships often offer titling and registration assistance, particularly if they are close to a state border and regularly sell to out-of-state buyers. For instance, dealerships in Kansas City, Kansas, will likely be accustomed to completing registrations for customers residing in Missouri.

Even if proximity is not a factor, some dealers use third-party services to handle titling and registration for customers, saving you time and potential hassle. However, you may still need to visit your local DMV to complete some aspects of registration or collect your license plates.

6. Registering the Car in Your Home State

Once home, the next step is to register your vehicle locally. Some states require VIN verification, which can often be done at the DMV, a police station, or even by a dealer. Additionally, a safety inspection, emissions test, or odometer verification might be required. For used cars, smog testing may be necessary, but newer vehicles are often exempt. Refer to your state’s DMV website for specific guidelines.

7. Deciding How to Pay for Your Out-of-State Car

Before you can bring your car home, the seller must receive payment. When purchasing from a dealership, payment methods may include cashier’s checks, bank loans, or even personal checks. Typically, the dealer will hold the title until the funds are confirmed.

When buying from a private seller, establishing mutual trust is essential. A cashier’s check provides a level of security, as it can be voided if there are concerns. However, wire transfers are harder to reverse. Using an escrow service adds an extra layer of security—holding the title and funds until both parties are satisfied with the transaction's terms.

Remember, you may also owe sales tax upon registration, depending on your state’s regulations.

8. Preparing for the Drive Home

If you choose to drive your new car home, make sure it is road-trip ready. For a new car, this shouldn’t be an issue, but a quick visual inspection and test drive are always recommended before signing paperwork.

If buying a used vehicle sight unseen, a pre-purchase inspection is a great idea. This inspection can provide peace of mind and uncover any hidden issues. Pre-purchase inspections are typically conducted by a professional mechanic, take a couple of hours, and cost a few hundred dollars—well worth the investment for a hassle-free journey.

For additional confidence, obtaining a vehicle history report from Carfax or AutoCheck is also a good practice before finalizing your decision.