How to Buy a Car in Another State

Find a great deal at any one of our locations? Our auto group has dealerships in six states. You might drop by our lot in , but the car you want is in the next state over. You can certainly buy a car in another state that you don’t live in. Although the process might not be exactly the same as in GA, there are enough similarities to buying a car out of state that you shouldn’t have any difficulties. 

Asking yourself, “Can I buy a car in another state?” Yes! Whether you’re in Milledgeville or , we can help you with buying a car in another state, whether you’re going to Georgia, Alabama, or even to the other side of the country. Read our handy guide on how to buy a car in another state, brought to you by the experts at Five Star Automotive Group. We can help you locate your perfect new or used vehicle!

Registering a Car Bought in Another State

When you buy a car in another state, you must register it in your state of residence. It’s a very straightforward process. Registering your vehicle only requires a few basic documents and a trip to your GA DMV. 

Follow these easy steps:

1. After you buy your vehicle, ask for a bill of sale that shows the purchase price you paid for it.
2. Locate the closest DMV in your state on a website like DMV Near Me.
3. When you go to the DMV, take the following items with you so you can get license plates for your vehicle:
1. Bill of sale
2. Proof of residency in the state where you live
3. Your completed vehicle transaction form
4. Title of your new vehicle signed by the previous owner
5. The lienholders’ name and address if you have a loan on it
6. Filled out odometer disclosure form
7. Money to pay registration fees
8. Proof of insurance
9. Any forms required by GA to fill out

Inform the DMV clerk that you purchased the vehicle out of state with the intent of titling and registering it in GA, where you live.

1. The clerk will likely return your bill of sale but keep your GA title.
2. The clerk will ask you to pay the difference in sales tax between the two states. 
3. Check your mailbox for your new car title, printed out with your information on it, and if there are any financial institutions that loaned you the money to purchase a vehicle. Once you pay off your loan, you can get a new title without the names of the lenders on it, meaning you own the car free and clear.

Taxes and Fees on Out-of-State Vehicles

Buying a car out of state means you’ll have to pay the difference between GA and the other state’s sales tax. You’ll also have to pay processing fees for your documentation. Don’t worry about having to pay hundreds of extra dollars for the fees. Fees should be about the same as registering a new car in or . 

Test Drive a New or Pre-Owned Vehicle at Five Star Automotive Group

Whether you’re buying a car in another state or shopping for a new or certified pre-owned vehicle for sale near , our staff is happy to help you test drive a vehicle on one of our lots. We can also answer any other questions you have about how to buy a car in another state. 

We invite you to use our handy payment calculator and look over our finance center to jumpstart the car-buying process. And remember, look over our exclusive lifetime warranty to give you peace of mind with your purchase. Our team is happy to help in any way we can!