How to Buy a Car in Another State

Can you buy a car out of state? Absolutely. In fact, learning how to buy a car in another state only takes a moment, and doing so may make it much easier to find the model that’s right for you. Here at Jaguar Darien Authorized Certified Pre-Owned and Service, we receive drivers from all over the surrounding area, and not just those who also call Connecticut home! We’re easy to reach from anywhere near Fairfield or Westport, and we’ll walk you through the entire process.

Registering a Car Bought in Another State

The most important difference between buying a car in your home state and buying a car in another state is that you’ll need to drive back home and register the vehicle at a DMV near where you live! Here’s what you should keep in mind:

1. When you purchase a vehicle out of state, ask for a bill of sale that has the purchase price listed clearly. 
2. Find your local DMV in your home state by using a service like DMV Near Me.
3. Make sure to have all of the following items when you drive into the DMV:
1. The bill of sale mentioned above
2. The vehicle’s title, signed by the previous owner
3. The names and addresses of any lienholders
4. Completed odometer disclosure statement
5. Tax Form RUT-50 Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction
6. Proof of insurance and proof of residency

Now, here’s what you can expect when you actually make it to the DMV:

1. Tell the clerk that you purchased the vehicle out-of-state with the intent to register it at home.
2. The clerk will keep the title—which is only applicable for the vehicle’s old state, anyway—but they’ll let you keep your bill of sale.
3. You’ll be asked to pay the difference in sales tax between the state where you bought the vehicle and the state where it’s being registered.
4. Your new title will arrive in the mail.

Taxes and Fees on Out-of-State Cars

You shouldn’t expect any major additional fees or payments when buying a car out-of-state. However, you will be responsible for paying the difference between the sales tax in the state where you purchased the vehicle and the sales tax in the state where it will be registered. 

Ultimately, you’ll spend about as much as if you’d bought the car in your home state—the only difference is that those who are willing to shop in another state will have many more options to consider during the purchasing process.

Let Us Help You Take the Next Steps!

Our financing team is here to help, and we offer a wide range of car buying tips that shoppers can explore at home in Darien or Stamford! If you’re ready to buy a car in Connecticut at our dealership, we can even help you apply for financing online.