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The internet has transformed car buying. Instead of settling for what’s available at local dealerships, you can now search inventory across the entire country to find the exact vehicle you want—often at a better price. In fact, buying a car out of state and having it shipped has become incredibly common in 2025.
But if you’ve never done it before, the process can feel intimidating. How do you handle the paperwork? What about taxes and registration? And most importantly, how do you get your new car home safely?
At EasyGo Logistics, we ship vehicles for out-of-state buyers every single day. Here’s your complete guide to buying a car from another state and shipping it home without stress.
Why Buy Out of State?
Before diving into logistics, it’s worth understanding why so many buyers are expanding their search beyond state lines:
Better Selection: You’re no longer limited to local inventory. Shopping nationwide gives you access to thousands more options, making it easier to find exactly what you want—specific color, trim level, options package, or rare models.
Better Pricing: Prices vary significantly by region. A truck that commands premium pricing in Texas might be cheaper in California. A convertible sells for less in Minnesota than Florida. Shopping across state lines can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Private Party Deals: Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, and Cars.com connect you with private sellers nationwide who often offer better deals than dealerships.
Classic and Specialty Vehicles: If you’re searching for a specific classic car, vintage vehicle, or hard-to-find model, you’ll likely need to buy out of state simply because inventory is so limited.
No Sales Tax Advantage: In many cases, you’ll pay sales tax in your home state regardless of where you buy—meaning there’s no tax disadvantage to buying out of state.
Step 1: Find Your Vehicle and Do Your Due Diligence
The convenience of online shopping comes with responsibility. You can’t physically inspect the vehicle before buying, so thorough research is critical.
Get a Vehicle History Report
Before making any commitments, obtain a comprehensive vehicle history report from Carfax or AutoCheck. This reveals accidents, title issues, service history, previous owners, and whether the car has a clean title.
Red flags to watch for: salvage titles, flood damage, odometer discrepancies, or frequent ownership changes. If the seller refuses to provide a VIN for you to run a report, that’s a major warning sign.
Request Detailed Photos and Videos
Ask the seller for extensive photos showing all angles of the vehicle—exterior from every side, interior condition, engine bay, undercarriage if possible, and close-ups of any damage or wear. Request videos of the car running, driving, and with all lights and features operating.
Arrange a Pre-Purchase Inspection
This is the most important step. Hire a local mobile mechanic near the vehicle’s location to perform a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Services like YourMechanic, Lemon Squad, or local independent mechanics can inspect the car and provide a detailed report on its mechanical condition.
The inspection typically costs $150-$200 but can save you thousands by identifying hidden problems before you commit to the purchase. Most reputable sellers welcome inspections—if a seller refuses, walk away.
Verify Seller Legitimacy
If buying from a private seller, verify their identity and ownership. The name on the title should match the seller’s ID. Be extremely cautious of anyone asking for unusual payment methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—these are common scam indicators.
For dealership purchases, verify the dealer is licensed and read customer reviews to ensure they’re reputable.
Step 2: Understand Registration and Tax Requirements
One of the biggest questions about out-of-state purchases: how do taxes and registration work?
Sales Tax
In most cases, you’ll pay sales tax in your home state when you register the vehicle—not where you buy it. Some states offer credit for taxes paid in other states, but generally, you’re subject to your home state’s tax rate regardless of where you purchase.
Dealer Purchases: Many dealers can collect your home state’s sales tax at the time of purchase, simplifying the process.
Private Party Purchases: You’ll typically pay sales tax when you register the vehicle in your home state.
Title and Registration
You’ll need to register the vehicle in your home state within a specific timeframe—typically 30-60 days depending on state laws.
What You’ll Need:
The vehicle title signed by the seller (ensure it’s a clean title with no liens)
Bill of sale showing purchase price and date
Proof of insurance in your name
Your driver’s license
Payment for registration fees and taxes
Some states require emissions testing and safety inspections before registration. Check your state DMV website for specific requirements.
Temporary Tags
If buying from a dealer, they can usually provide temporary registration tags allowing you to legally drive or ship the vehicle before permanent registration. Private sellers generally cannot provide temporary tags—you’ll need to arrange this through your home state DMV or the seller’s state depending on local laws.
Step 3: Arrange Vehicle Shipping
Once the purchase is complete and paperwork is in order, it’s time to get your car home. While you could fly out and drive it back, professional shipping is often more practical and cost-effective.
Cost Considerations
Professional car shipping typically costs $1,000-$1,500 for cross-country transport (2,000+ miles), with shorter distances costing proportionally less. The exact price depends on distance, vehicle size, route popularity, season, and transport type.
Compare this to the cost of flying out, fuel for the drive home, hotels, meals, time off work, and wear on the vehicle—shipping often makes more financial sense.
Choosing a Transport Company
Select a reputable, licensed auto transport company with proper insurance and verified credentials. When you book with EasyGo Logistics, you get access to our network of 15,000+ verified, insured carriers who handle out-of-state purchases daily.
What to Look For:
Valid USDOT and MC numbers (verify on FMCSA website)
Comprehensive cargo insurance
Positive customer reviews
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Clear communication throughout the process
Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Open transport is the most economical option and perfectly safe for most vehicles. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside other vehicles—the same way new cars are transported from factories to dealerships.
Enclosed transport provides maximum protection from weather and road debris. It costs more but is recommended for luxury vehicles, classics, exotics, or any high-value purchase.
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal Service
Door-to-door service means the carrier picks up from the seller’s location and delivers to your address (or as close as the large truck can safely access).
Terminal service involves dropping off and picking up at designated terminals or accessible locations. This is typically less expensive and useful for locations where large carriers can’t navigate residential streets.
Step 4: Coordinate Pickup Details
Work with both the seller and shipping company to coordinate pickup logistics.
What the Seller Needs to Provide
The vehicle with keys
Signed title and bill of sale
Any maintenance records or documentation
Less than 1/4 tank of gas (shipping requirement)
Vehicle in clean, operational condition
The Bill of Lading
At pickup, the carrier will conduct a thorough inspection and document the vehicle’s condition on a Bill of Lading. This legal document records every scratch, dent, or imperfection present before transport.
Critical: The seller (or their representative) should review this document carefully and take photos of the vehicle from all angles before it’s loaded. This protects everyone in the unlikely event of damage during transport.
Payment and Paperwork
Most transport companies require a deposit when booking (often $100-$200) and collect the balance upon delivery via cash, certified check, or credit card. Confirm payment terms before scheduling.
The seller will provide you with all title and sale documents, typically via overnight mail. Make sure you receive these before the vehicle ships.
Step 5: Prepare for Delivery
Your vehicle typically arrives within 5-10 days depending on distance, though cross-country shipments can take up to two weeks during peak seasons.
Inspect Thoroughly Upon Arrival
When your vehicle is delivered, conduct a detailed inspection before signing for it. Compare its condition to the photos you took at pickup and the Bill of Lading notes.
Check for new damage, verify all features work, and ensure the vehicle matches what you purchased. If you find any issues, note them clearly on the delivery receipt before signing.
Insurance Considerations
Your personal auto insurance should be updated before the vehicle ships. Most carriers provide comprehensive cargo insurance covering up to $100,000-$250,000, but confirm coverage details when booking.
For high-value vehicles, consider supplemental insurance to ensure full coverage during transport.
Step 6: Complete Registration in Your Home State
Once your vehicle arrives, you have a limited window (typically 30-60 days) to complete registration in your home state.
Visit Your DMV With:
Signed title from the seller
Bill of sale
Proof of insurance
Your driver’s license
Payment for taxes, registration fees, and plate fees
Any required emissions or safety inspection certificates
The DMV will process your application, collect taxes and fees, and issue permanent registration and license plates. Some states offer temporary tags during this process.
Dealer Purchase vs. Private Seller: Key Differences
The process varies slightly depending on who you buy from.
Buying from a Dealer
Advantages:
Dealer handles temporary tags and much of the paperwork
May collect your home state sales tax at purchase
Often recommends shipping companies (though you should still shop around)
More consumer protections and recourse if problems arise
Can sometimes include shipping in the deal
Considerations:
Documentation fees and dealer prep charges add to the cost
You’re still responsible for home state registration
Buying from a Private Seller
Advantages:
Typically lower purchase price
More room for negotiation
Direct communication with the vehicle’s owner
Challenges:
More paperwork responsibility falls on you
Harder to arrange temporary tags
Less recourse if problems emerge
Must arrange all aspects of shipping yourself
Higher risk of scams—extra due diligence required
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Pre-Purchase Inspection: This is the biggest mistake out-of-state buyers make. Never rely solely on photos and seller descriptions.
Rushing the Process: Take your time researching the vehicle, verifying the seller, and understanding all costs involved.
Ignoring Title Issues: Verify the title is clean, the seller is the legal owner, and there are no liens. Title problems can prevent you from registering the vehicle.
Using Unsecured Payment Methods: Never wire money or use gift cards. Use secure payment methods that provide some protection.
Booking the Cheapest Shipping: Extremely low quotes often indicate problems—unlicensed carriers, hidden fees, or bait-and-switch pricing. Choose reputable transport companies even if they cost slightly more.
Forgetting About Registration Deadlines: Don’t let temporary tags expire. Complete registration promptly to avoid fines and legal issues.
The Bottom Line: It’s Easier Than You Think
Buying a car out of state and having it shipped might seem complicated, but thousands of people do it successfully every day. The key is preparation: thorough research, careful due diligence, and working with reputable professionals for both the purchase and transport.
The process breaks down into manageable steps:
Find the right vehicle and verify its condition
Understand tax and registration requirements
Arrange professional shipping
Coordinate pickup and delivery
Complete registration in your home state
With the right approach, you can access better selection and pricing nationwide while enjoying the convenience of having your vehicle delivered right to your driveway.
Ready to ship your out-of-state purchase home? Contact EasyGo Logistics today for a free quote. Our experienced team handles out-of-state purchases daily and will guide you through every step of the shipping process. Whether you bought from a dealer, private seller, or online auction, we make getting your car home simple, safe, and affordable.