Buying a car out of state opens up more choices and, in some cases, better deals. So, if you're hoping to cross state lines to find the exact vehicle (or price) you want, we have some good news: Yes, you can finance a car in another state. You’ll just have to be mindful of a few things.

1. Get your finances in order

Before traveling out of state or clicking “buy now” on a faraway car listing, it’s a good idea to get pre-qualified. Pre-qualification helps you understand how much you might be approved to borrow without negatively affecting your credit score. It also gives you a clearer budget and boosts your negotiating power at the dealership.

2. Gather the proper paperwork

Out-of-state purchases often require a few extra steps when it comes to documentation. Make sure you bring the following with you:

• Valid ID and proof of residency

• Proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns)

• Proof of insurance

• Any state-specific or lender-required forms

Trust us, the last thing you’ll want is to be in another state without everything you need. If no one back home can send you what’s needed, you’ll have a lot of back-and-forth driving ahead of you.

3. Make a plan to take possession

If you're not driving the car home yourself, you’ll want to arrange for vehicle delivery or transportation. Some dealers offer this service for a fee. There are also third-party services that will coordinate vehicle shipping to your location. We suggest you research these options before completing your purchase.

4. Know your home state’s registration rules

When you buy a car out of state, you don’t register it there. Instead, you’ll register the vehicle in your home state. That means you’ll be responsible for paying sales tax, registration fees, and meeting inspection or emissions requirements set by your home state's laws.

You should additionally be aware of how much time you have to register your vehicle once you bring it back. Some states require registration within a certain number of days, and you may need proof of insurance before you can complete that step.

Set yourself up for a smooth buying experience

Credit Acceptance can support you when buying a car in any U.S. state, provided you work with one of the 15,000 dealerships enrolled in our network. Doing so will allow financing across state lines to be as hassle-free as a local purchase. Get pre-qualified today by starting the process online.