Austin, Texas Sales: 833-417-6130 Customer Service: 737-339-1002
Gilbert, Arizona Sales: 833-456-4185 Customer Service: 602-837-0360
Co Springs, Colorado Sales: 855-978-6276 Customer Service: 719-960-0222
Windsor, Colorado Sales: 855-624-7770 Customer Service: 970-795-8288
Clearwater, Florida Sales: (833) 247-6772 Customer Service: 727-516-6022
Boise, Idaho Sales: 844-635-2408 Customer Service: 208-992-4355
Post Falls, Idaho Sales: 833-653-0118 Customer Service: 208-618-8927
Fishers, Indiana Sales: (888) 991-0258 Customer Service: 463-673-1505
Las Vegas, Nevada Sales: 855-975-4595 Customer Service: 702-570-8427
Reno, Nevada Sales: 833-221-7889 Customer Service: 775-524-4545
Santa Fe, New Mexico Sales: 833-605-2526 Customer Service: 505-913-7701
Duncanville, Texas Sales: 833-370-2140 Customer Service: 945-351-4004
Fort Worth, Texas Sales: 833-261-1502 Customer Service: 682-383-3769
Houston Northwest, Texas Sales: 833-344-0751 Customer Service: 346-839-1721
Houston Southwest, Texas Sales: 833-483-2022 Customer Service: 346-839-1714
Richardson, Texas Sales: 833-301-9964 Customer Service: 469-991-4164
Albuquerque, New Mexico Sales: 833-711-6826 Customer Service: 505-651-0456
San Antonio, Texas Sales: (833) 417-4037 Customer Service: 726-610-8280
Draper, Utah Sales: 888-822-7703 Customer Service: 385-351-4089
Lindon, Utah Sales: 855-975-4490 Customer Service: 385-440-0525
Woods Cross, Utah Sales: 855-996-5822 Customer Service: 385-489-0480

How to Buy a Car in Another State

AutoSavvy Santa Fe


One big concern that many drivers bring to AutoSavvy is how hard they believe buying a car out of state may be. Nervous about registration, taxes, fees, and geography, along with the typical stress that goes with the normal car-buying process? You don’t have to worry because taking advantage of an incredible deal on a branded title SUV that will enhance your commute across the state border is not that different from purchasing it in Nevada or Idaho. To help car buyers interested in buying a car in another state, the team at AutoSavvy has a handy guide where you can learn a few quirks needed for a successful purchase.

Registering a Car Bought in Another State

When you drive home in a new car for sale in Arizona, the first thing you may be asking yourself is how to register that car in the state you’re from. Adding your license plate on a vehicle that was taken over state lines only requires a few documents and a trip to the DMV. 

  1. Ask for a bill of sale that has the purchase price you paid listed clearly and find your local DMV on a website like DMV Near Me.
  2. When you visit your local DMV, make sure to have 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
    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
    9. Proof of residency

Let the DMV clerk know that you purchased the car out of state with the intent of titling and registering it at your address.

  1. The clerk will most likely return your bill of sale, but they will keep your title, and ask that you pay the appropriate difference in sales tax between the two states. 
  2. Keep your eye on your mailbox for a new title.

Taxes and Fees on Out-of-State Cars

Your local sales tax, the difference between Indiana and other states’ sales tax, and any applicable processing fees at your DMV are the only major payments that you will need to make beyond the purchase price of your new car, truck, or SUV should you choose to purchase in Utah. Don’t worry about having to pay hundreds of extra dollars, because the process is most likely the same as if you were registering a purchased car from Florida or Texas. 

Visit AutoSavvy!

Whether you’re looking for a used car for sale, we’re proud to offer incredible deals. While you’re exploring our inventory for the vehicle that’s going to enhance your daily commute, be sure to explore our hail damaged inventory for added savings. Contact our sales team with any questions about buying a car out of state, getting the right financing to make the purchase, or for details about getting approved for bad credit financing. We work to alleviate the stress of car-buying and help get you behind the wheel of the vehicle best suited for you.

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