How can we help?

Usually you need a valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance, and a way to pay, such as a down payment, financing approval or cashier's check. If you are financing at the dealership, bring proof of income like recent pay stubs and sometimes proof of residence. If you are trading in a vehicle, bring its title or loan payoff information, registration and all keys. Requirements vary by dealer, lender and state, so ask in advance what to bring.

Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance or your insurer's contact information, your pre-approval letter if you have one, your down payment method, and recent pay stubs and proof of address if financing. For a trade-in, bring the title or lender payoff details, registration, all keys and fobs, and service records. On OffLot, Open lot mode on every vehicle page gives you a phone checklist and questions to ask, such as getting the out-the-door price in writing.

Yes. Nearly every state requires liability insurance to drive, and lenders and leasing companies require full coverage, so dealers typically ask for proof of insurance before you take delivery. If you already have a policy, your insurer may extend coverage to a newly acquired vehicle for a short grace period, but rules vary, so call them before you buy. Have the VIN ready so your insurer can add the exact vehicle and send proof of coverage.

You can get quotes in advance using the year, make, model and trim, then finalize the policy once you have the VIN. Call your current insurer or shop new quotes, tell them the expected purchase date, and ask how quickly they can issue proof of insurance. Many insurers can add a vehicle the same day by phone or app. If the car is financed or leased, ask the lender what coverage and deductibles they require so your policy meets them.

Lenders and leasing companies usually require comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to your state's required liability insurance, and they often set a maximum deductible. They will typically be listed on the policy as loss payee or lienholder. Leases may require higher liability limits. Check your loan or lease agreement for exact requirements and give your insurer the lender's details. GAP coverage is optional, though some leases already include it.

It varies by state and by how the purchase was made. When you buy from a dealer, the dealer usually submits the title and registration paperwork to the state, and processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. If you financed the car, many states send the title to the lender or record it electronically until the loan is paid off. Check your state DMV's website for typical timelines and how to check status.

When you finance, the lender is usually listed as the lienholder and, in many states, holds the title or an electronic title record until the loan is paid off. You are still the registered owner and can drive, insure and register the vehicle. Once you pay off the loan, the lender releases the lien and you receive a clear title or lien release. Timing and process vary by state, so check with your lender and state DMV.

In most states, the dealer handles title transfer and registration paperwork as part of the sale and collects the related government fees, then issues temporary tags while the state processes everything. Your permanent plates and registration are mailed to you or picked up, depending on the state. Ask the dealer for an itemized list of government fees versus dealer fees. On OffLot, Open lot mode includes asking about government versus dealer fees.

Temporary tags, or temporary plates or permits, let you legally drive a newly purchased vehicle while the state processes your registration and permanent plates. Dealers usually issue them at the time of sale. How long they last, and whether they can be extended, is set by each state, so check your state DMV's website. Keep your bill of sale and proof of insurance in the car. If your tags are about to expire before plates arrive, contact the dealer right away.

Contact the dealer first, since they usually submitted the paperwork and can check the status or, in some states, issue an extension. If the dealer is unresponsive, contact your state DMV, which can tell you whether the registration has been processed and what options exist. Avoid driving on an expired temporary tag, as it may lead to a ticket. If a dealer fails to deliver title or registration, your state attorney general or DMV dealer licensing division may be able to help.

Yes. You can buy from an out-of-state dealer, but you generally register the car and pay sales tax based on where you live, not where you buy. Some dealers can collect your home state's tax and handle registration; others give you temporary tags and paperwork to register it yourself. You may need an emissions test or a VIN inspection in your home state. Confirm with both the dealer and your state DMV before you buy.

Generally, you pay sales or use tax based on where you will register the vehicle, which is usually where you live. If you pay tax to the selling state, some states give credit for it, but rules vary widely. Ask the dealer whether they will collect your home state's tax, and check your state DMV or revenue department's website. On OffLot, the out-the-door estimate uses an illustrative 6.25% tax rate, so confirm your actual rate with your state.