but purchased a vehicle from out of state, you’ll have to apply for an Alabama title before you can register it. You’ll also need to pay any registration fees, taxes, and surcharges required by the county where you register your car.

How to buy a car out of state as an Alabama resident

If you live in Alabama, but you bought your car in a different state, you’ll have to

transfer the title

to Alabama before you can apply for a

vehicle registration

. So just how do you go about that?

Luckily, the process isn’t too difficult, and you’re far from uncharted territory. Plenty of Huntsville residents might go across state lines to Tennessee to find the used car that fits their needs. You’ll have to pay Alabama

sales tax

and submit documentation to the

Alabama MVD

Do note that you’ll have to do the Alabama title transfer in person.

Here’s what you’ll need to get from the seller when you buy your out-of-state car:

Completed and signed title assignment on Certificate of Title

Current/most recent out-of-state registration documents

Bill of sale

Dealer’s affidavit and

VIN

/Ownership documentation if purchased from a dealer

Odometer disclosure statement

if the vehicle is fewer than 10 years old, less than 16,000 pounds, and purchased from a dealer

If you are leasing the vehicle, you need ower of attorney form from the leasing company allowing for registration of the vehicle and a copy of the lease agreement

Once you’re back in Alabama, you’ll need to visit your county

license plate

issuing office to transfer the title and register your vehicle. You’ll be required to pay an auto title transfer fee and submit your car for a

VIN inspection

Unless you’re a member of the Armed Forces stationed in Alabama, you’ll need to proceed to registration once the title is transferred. In addition to any previously mentioned documents, here are the things you’ll need for registration:

Alabama title

Proof of Alabama car insurance

License plates you wish to transfer to the new car

Valid

Alabama Driver’s License

and

proof of residence

in the county where you’re registering your vehicle

Payment for registration fees, surcharges, and taxes relevant to your county

When you visit the MVD, bring the vehicle in question so its VIN can be inspected. Once everything is in order, you’ll get your Alabama plates/registration sticker.

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How to buy a car in Alabama if you live out of state

Okay, so what if you don’t live in Alabama, but you’re buying a car here? You’ll have to keep a lot of the same things in mind as have been previously mentioned, but specifics do vary based on the state you live in. Here are some general things you’ll likely need to get from the seller:

Certificate of Title signed by all sellers, including an odometer disclosure if the car is fewer than 10 years old

Bill of sale (with notary stamp if required in your state)

Current registration and current safety inspection certificates

You’ll need to register your vehicle in your state of residency, where you’ll be required to pay local taxes and applicable registration fees.

What if I don’t have a physical title?

Some states may not require that a title be issued for your car, specifically if you purchase from a dealer. If this is the case, you can use the vehicle registration certificate in place of the title.

If you purchased the vehicle from a private party, you are required to have a title. This means the seller might have to request a copy of the title from their state’s DMV.

MORE:

How to get a rebuilt title in Alabama

Tips for buying a vehicle out of state

Buying a car from another state might be necessary to get the car or price you’re looking for, but it does complicate the car-buying process as a whole. Follow these tips to make sure you have your bases covered:

Get the

vehicle history report

. You’d be surprised how many private sellers sell damaged cars, hoping you don’t get the

CARFAX

or other vehicle history service report. This is extremely valuable information that you shouldn’t go without.

Take the vehicle for a professional inspection when you’re back in your home state.

Remember emissions testing! Emissions testing is not required in Alabama, but it might be required if you’re buying in Alabama and registering in another state.

Research your home state’s vehicle sales tax laws. You’ll have to pay taxes in your home county, not in the state where you buy the car.

Buy

car insurance

before you leave the dealership. You need car insurance that meets the

Alabama state minimum requirements

to legally drive any car in Alabama, so don’t drive home until you have it!

MORE:

Alabama license plates

How to save on car insurance in Alabama

Car insurance is one of the most important things to have in order for any car that you own, regardless of what you drive or where you live! But if you’re already dealing with all this extra paperwork when buying an out-of-state vehicle, you might not want to take the time when

shopping for auto insurance

That’s where

Jerry

comes in! Jerry is a

trustworthy insurance comparison app

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cheap car insurance

rates available from over 55 partnering insurance companies. It only takes Jerry about 45 seconds to collect quotes and show you the most competitive offers. Then all you have to do is pick the one you like best!

If you need a new car insurance policy and are looking for savings, just download the Jerry app to see how much you could save!

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