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PURCHASING A CAR IN THE UNITED STATES
Are you considering buying an automobile in the US and need to know which documents are essential for it?
It should be an easy-going process for starters if you take the time to research and prepare all the major paperwork, documentation, and finances needed before heading into a dealership.
This guide will walk you through the documents and preparations required for purchasing an automobile in the United States.
Documents Required for Purchasing an Automobile
Proof of Identity
Proof of identity is one of the essential documents you need to possess while going for a car purchase. Your National Identity Card, Driver’s License, Student Identification Card, Birth Certificate, and others are some examples. This information is critical to both parties, i.e., the buyer and the dealer, as it keeps away fraudulent activities and enhances security.
This criterion is straightforward for locals. Immigrants who do not have proper documentation or have not been issued a Social Security Number can often use Passport or ITIN forms of identification. It is wise to check with your dealership to make sure they will take the other types.
Recent Paystubs
Purchasing an automobile is expensive, and if you are financing, your lender may require some guarantees to ensure that you can pay your loans on time. So, if you have paystubs from the previous two months, you would like to bring them with you when you apply for your loan as proof of having a steady income.
Proof of Auto Insurance
Proof of auto insurance can be in an insurance ID card or other documents from the insurance company. To prove coverage of insurance requirements, your ID card or form must display the policy details, such as policy number, policy effective dates, and policyholder name. Your new vehicle will need to be listed on your policy, so this may be a final step when you have your vehicle VIN number.
Rebate Eligibility Documents
Many dealers and manufacturers offer special rebates to customers. Military members, students, and recent grads can take advantage of it. However, you’ll need to show proof of your eligibility before having them.
Financial Requirements
Credit Score
Before signing the final document, you must meet the credit score requirements to get an auto loan. Each lender has its own set of requirements. However, if you cannot qualify through your score, you could look at finding a friend or family member as a cosigner who has a good credit score.
FICO score is the most common method used by car lenders. It’s a general-purpose credit score with multiple versions; as each lender makes their own sovereign decision, it’s best to check the FICO score before applying for a loan.
It will be hard to look for a lender if your credit score is low or non-existent. Even if you do find one, you will have to pay more. If you are an immigrant who has recently moved to the United States, buying an automobile immediately could be a concern with your lack of credit history. You may consider taking time to build your credit history and can view this guide to develop a plan.
List of References
If your credit score is not at par, then having a list of references could help if you’re vying for a loan through a dealership. The names, contact information of individuals, and employment locations should be included in your reference details. Reminder to be sure and ask for your recommendations approval before listing them.
Form of Payment
When opting for a car of your choice, you need to decide beforehand which type of payment you would use. You can read more in this guide for a list of options to consider in paying or financing your car.
Whether you choose to pay for your car in full or put a down payment down, you will need to confirm your options on how to submit your payment. Typically, a dealership will take cash, check, or electronic debit or credit cards.
If you choose to use financing outside of the dealership, be sure you have completed all preliminary steps and have approval and funds ready for your day of purchase.
Trading Your Car
If you happen to have a current car that you want to trade-in, you’ll need some essential documents on hand to expedite the process.
Certificate of Title
The dealership uses the certificate of title to show ownership of the vehicle you want to trade. If you can’t find your title, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles for a duplicate (DMV). However, keep in mind that this may require an appointment with your DMV and will have a charge to receive a new copy.
Vehicle Registration
If your automobile isn’t scrapped after trading, you’ll need to deliver the registration to the dealership. In addition, an expired registration is frequently accepted by the dealership. However, the cost of renewing the registration may be deducted from the car’s trade-in value.
Vehicle’s Condition
Your vehicle doesn’t need to be in tip-top shape in terms of cleanliness before you go for trading. You should, however, double-check that you haven’t forgotten anything in the car. While the dealership will look up your trade car’s history, it’s good to provide any service or maintenance records that aren’t shown in the report.
Current Financing Information
If you are currently making payments on your vehicle, you will need your account number for the loan on your trade-in. This number can be found on one of your statements. Also, check with your lender to determine if they have a procedure for dealing with trade-ins.
Loan/Financing Obligations
Get Financed from Multiple Lenders
Car dealerships compete on the actual cost of their vehicles, but financing arrangements vary greatly from one dealer to the next. Search for financing options from:
- Dealership Financing
- Local and National Banks
- Community Banks and Credit Unions
- Personal or Auto Loan Finance Companies
For a deeper understanding on loan options, you can learn more by visiting this guide on options to pay for your vehicle.
Know the financial lingo
You will spend some time with the dealership’s finance team during your buying process. There may be many finance terms thrown around, so take time to understand the terms before you head into making your purchase.
- Down Payment: This is the cash you have on hand to put the car’s buying price. Larger down payments can help you avoid longer and more expensive repayment plans. You’ll save money on interest payments over the life of the loan if you put more money down.
- APR: The loan’s annual percentage rate typically includes the fees and interest you’ll pay to the bank or lender for borrowing the money.
- Loan Duration: To stay up with depreciation of your vehicle, it’s important to aim for an aggressive payout schedule. Try to pay off new cars in 60 months or less and used cars in 36 months or less.
Dealer Fees and Taxes
Dealer fees and transferring charges are expenditures that the dealer incurs in promoting the automobile and transporting it from the auction or other sites. These prices differ per dealership and are, at times, negotiable. Taxes, as well as state and municipal registration fees, are not negotiable.
Insurance Requirements
Make sure you get an estimate from your Insurance agent for the year, make, and model you’re thinking about. A lot can vary between cars, so knowing your new monthly payment to budget more accurately for your vehicle is important.
Gap lease and loan coverage are important factors to consider when buying a car from a dealer. You can save money if you owe more on your automobile than it’s worth following a total loss.
Make a financial plan
Before you go to the dealer, make sure you have a clear idea of how much you can afford to pay each month for a new automobile. Account for all the prices listed above and go online for a reliable auto loan calculator to assist you in estimating all of the costs you’ll face at the dealership.
When learning how to buy a car from a dealer, keep in mind that this is a commercial transaction involving your money. You can save money if you know what to look for when buying a car from a dealer.
Are You Going Out Of State To Purchase A Vehicle?
If you buy an automobile in another state, the regulations may differ from those in your home state. Contact that state’s DMV or visit the website to find out what those criteria are. Before you can drive your new car home, some jurisdictions will require it to pass a smog test, emissions test, or safety inspection.
Hopefully, preparing for your car buying process in the United States is simpler for you now. Make sure you take every essential document to the dealer before opting for a car. Also, your credit score should be good for a loan acceptance; otherwise, you will need a cosigner.
