Can I buy a car in one state and register in another?

Typically, you will be required to pay the applicable state sales tax before you can register the vehicle. You will have to pay to get the car titled and registered in your home state, and you will likely have to produce a “bill of sale” and the transferred title to prove that you purchased the car legally.

How do I avoid sales tax if I buy a car out of state?

Sales taxes on cars are often hefty, so you may try to avoid paying them. The easiest and most straightforward way to do so is to buy a car in a state with no sales taxes and register the vehicle there. Only five states do not have statewide sales taxes: Montana, Alaska, Delaware, Oregon, and New Hampshire.

How do I transfer a car title from one state to another?

In order to do this, the vehicle owner must first submit a title release form to their lien holder. The lien holder will then mail the title to the applicant’s new state DMV. After the title is received, the DMV will communicate with the applicant, and guide them through next steps.

Where to register a car bought out of State?

When you get the car back in your home state you need to register it so that you can legally drive it. At the same time you can get the title in your name. Locate your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), county clerk or other office where you can get a new car registration and title.

What happens when you buy a car out of State?

Generally, when you’re buying a car from an out-of-state dealership, the dealer handles all title and registration paperwork for you. Of course, much of this paperwork will be temporary, given you’ll need to title and register the vehicle in your home state upon returning.

Can a car that is out of state still be registered in California?

If you’re in a state like California, you’ll soon realize that the license plates—or tags, as some call them—remain with the vehicle (which confuses out-of-staters who see used-car lots full of plated vehicles).

When to transfer out of State Car title?

If you have purchased a vehicle with an out-of-state title or are moving to a different state with your vehicle, you need to transfer the certificate of title in person or by mail.