How to Buy a Car Out-of-State

Yes, as long as you follow the proper procedures, you can buy a car from another state and register it in your home state.

If you’re registering an out of state vehicle, whether you live in Concord, NH, in Franklin, NH, or somewhere else in the northeast, you might need to have valid proof of your state residency, like a utility bill. After you get back to your home state, visit the local DMV to register the new car. You will need to provide the bill of sale, the state title, plus proof of insurance. Once you pay any required registration fees and taxes, you’ll get your state registration and title.

If you buy a car in another state, you'll typically need to pay sales tax in the state where you register the vehicle, not the state where you bought it. That means you'll pay the sales tax at your home state's DMV or through a dealership like ours that can handle the paperwork for you.

When you buy a car out of state, you'll need to transfer the title and register the vehicle in the state where you live. That usually involves submitting the title and registration forms to your local DMV, paying any required fees and taxes, and potentially getting a safety inspection or emissions test.

Yes, if your home state requires an inspection or a smog test, you will need to get that done in order to register the vehicle.

In general, you can’t legally drive a car from another state to your home without registering it first. However, some states offer temporary permits or "drive out permits" for situations like moving or buying a car out of state. That would allow you to drive it home without a full registration.

You can verify the history and condition of a car before you buy it out of state by using VIN checks, vehicle history reports or an independent inspection. You can get a vehicle history report from a reputable source like Carfax® if you're buying it from a dealer like us that offers that service. Of course, it's always a good idea to have a mechanic inspect the car and report on its condition, especially if you're buying out of state.

Yes, there are additional fees and costs when you buy a car out of state. Those can include shipping or travel costs, sales tax in your home state, and registration fees.

Driving your car home is generally more affordable, especially for shorter distances, and it gives you more control over the timeline. On the other hand, shipping provides more protection from the elements and can be a better solution if you're flying or have a unique antique or classic car.

Buying a car out of state doesn't generally invalidate your warranty or have an impact on your insurance coverage. Your warranty will usually cover you no matter where you buy the vehicle, as long as you take it to an authorized service center like ours. If you live outside New Hampshire, or you're a local resident who just wants some advice, we can help you buy a car out of state when you talk to us at Benson Auto Co., Inc. in Franklin, NH.