Modern tools and trusted resources have made cross-state car buying easier than ever. If you’re planning to buy a car online, this Sherpa guide walks you through each step to ensure a smooth experience. According to Consumer Affairs, global automotive e-commerce is projected to grow at an annual rate of 17.5% over the next decade.
It is expected to reach an estimated market size of more than $176 billion by the early 2030s. This rapid growth reflects how comfortable buyers have become with making significant purchases, including cars, entirely online.
When you’re considering buying a car out of state, it can open up more choices, including better prices and access to unique models that might not be available locally. It’s also becoming increasingly common, as more shoppers look beyond their state lines for the right deal or the perfect vehicle.
However, buying a car in another state isn’t as simple as clicking “purchase.” You’ll need to navigate state-specific taxes, registration rules, emissions requirements, and transportation logistics. This guide covers everything you need to know to make your out-of-state car purchase stress-free.
How to Buy a Car Out of State
Buying a car out of state may seem complicated at first, but with the right approach, it’s easier than you think. According to Fortune Business Insights, the used car market is also booming. It was valued at USD 1.06 trillion in 2024 and projected to reach nearly USD 1.88 trillion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.1%.
Notably, the Asia Pacific region dominated the global market, accounting for 34.21% in 2024. This rapid growth shows how online tools and nationwide listings have made cross-state car purchases more convenient than ever. To make the process smooth, start by knowing exactly what kind of vehicle you want, including make, model, and budget.
Use trusted online platforms like AutoTrader, Cars.com, or CarGurus to browse options. Once you finalize the purchase, choose a reliable company like Sherpa Auto Transport to ensure safe, timely delivery, making buying a car out of state a simple, cost-effective, and rewarding experience.
Key Takeaways
- Buying a car out of state gives you access to more inventory and potential savings.
- Always check taxes, emissions, and title transfer requirements before finalizing the purchase.
- Using a trusted auto transport service like Sherpa Auto Transport ensures your vehicle reaches you safely and efficiently.
- Documentation and inspection laws vary by state, so research before you buy.
In This Guide:
- How to Find a Car Out of State
- What to Consider When Buying a Car Out of State
- Transporting a Car Purchased Out of State
- Purchasing a Car Out of State from a Dealer
- Purchasing a Car Out of State from a Private Seller
- Bottom Line
- Buying a Car Out of State FAQ
How to Find a Car Out of State
Finding the right car is the first step. Online tools and nationwide databases have made the process easier now. Below are some factors to guide how to begin your search:
Determine What You’re Looking For
Make a list of must-have features, preferred model years, and budget range. This information will help you filter listings efficiently.
Search Online Databases
Use trusted platforms to browse vehicles nationwide. Check out Sherpa’s guide on the best used car sites to find reliable marketplaces that provide verified seller details, pricing comparisons, and vehicle histories.
Check Vehicle History Reports
Always review reports from services like CARFAX or AutoCheck to confirm the car’s background, including past accidents, odometer readings, and ownership records.
Compare Prices Across States
Some states have lower car prices due to taxes or demand. Sherpa’s guide to the cheapest state to buy a car shows where you can save.
Contact the Seller and Verify Details
Ask the seller for maintenance records, additional photos, and a video walkaround before making any commitments.
What to Consider When Buying a Car Out of State
There are numerous things that you should finalize before making your purchase. Below are some of the details that you should keep in mind:
Transportation
You need to decide how you will get your new vehicle home. You can drive it yourself or use a professional shipping service like Sherpa Auto Transport for safety and convenience. Sherpa’s industry-exclusive Price Lock Promise ensures the price you are quoted is the price you pay. Pair that with Sherpa’s dedication to customer support, your new vehicle will arrive in perfect condition right to your door.
Taxes
You typically pay sales tax in your home state, not the state where you bought the car. However, confirm this with your local DMV, as some states have agreements that prevent double taxation.
Emissions and Safety Requirements
Each state has different inspection and emissions standards. Make sure your new car meets your home state’s regulations before you register it.
Title and Registration
Make sure the seller provides a clean title and all necessary documents. When registering an out-of-state car, most states require proof of ownership, insurance, and, in some cases, a VIN inspection.
Availability often drives buyers to look across state lines. Reduced inventories are now common at dealerships nationwide. Research shows that 10% of mid-May buyers purchased out of state, with more than half traveling over 25 miles to do so. For many, expanding their search area is the only way to find the right model or features.
Transporting a Car Purchased Out of State
Once you’ve sealed the deal, the next step is getting your new car home safely. The cost of shipping a vehicle typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500, depending on factors such as distance, vehicle size, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Open transport is the most common and budget-friendly option, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for luxury, vintage, or high-value vehicles.
Always opt for a trusted carrier like Sherpa Auto Transport to ensure a stress-free delivery experience with transparent pricing, insurance coverage, and top-rated service. Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise ensures no surprise fees. Our step-by-step guide on how to ship a car can assist you further. If you are wondering how long it takes to ship a car, you can get more details on transit timelines in our comprehensive guide.
Purchasing a Car Out of State from a Dealer
When you buy from a licensed dealer, you generally get more security and less paperwork. Dealers handle temporary registration tags, emissions testing, and title transfers, which saves you time and potential headaches. They can also help with sales tax obligations, depending on your home state’s rules.
Make sure you verify the dealership’s credentials and read customer reviews before finalizing the deal. Also, request a detailed purchase order listing all fees, including documentation, dealer prep, and delivery charges. Taking these precautionary steps ensures transparency and helps you avoid unexpected costs.
Purchasing a Car Out of State from a Private Seller
Buying from a private seller can often lead to better prices, but it also requires more due diligence. To stay safe, verify the seller’s identity and proof of ownership (carefully check the title). Always use secure payment methods instead of cash or wire transfers.
Furthermore, arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection to confirm the car’s condition before sending payment. Once the sale is complete, Sherpa Auto Transport can handle the logistics of moving your new vehicle from the seller’s address straight to your driveway safely and efficiently.
Bottom Line
Buying a car out of state doesn’t have to be complicated. Using the right approach to preparation, understanding taxes, inspections, and transportation, you can access nationwide deals without the hassle. Partnering with Sherpa Auto Transport ensures a smooth delivery from any state, giving you peace of mind from purchase to driveway.
Buying a Car Out of State FAQ
Can You Buy a Car Out of State?
Yes, you can. It’s perfectly legal to buy a car out of state. You need to handle the registration and tax requirements in your home state.
What’s the Cheapest State to Buy a Car?
According to Sherpa’s guide on the cheapest state to buy a car, states like Florida and New Hampshire often have lower fees and taxes.
Is It Cheaper to Buy a Car Out of State?
Sometimes prices can vary due to local demand, dealership competition, and taxes, so comparing across states can help you save.
How Do You Register an Out-of-State Car?
Visit your local DMV with your title, bill of sale, insurance, and ID. Some states may also require a VIN or emissions inspection before completing registration.
Sources:
- Consumer Affairs – Online Car Buying Statistics 2025
- Fortune Business Insights – USED CARS MARKET SIZE AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
- CBT News – More car buyers are purchasing vehicles out of state – how should car dealers react?
- Global Brands Magazine – How Online Marketplaces Are Shifting the Used Car Industry
- Consumer Affairs – Buying a car out of state
