Buying out of state.

[RickW]

Hi All, Just after a bit of info about buying cars out of state. I am moving to Las Vegas next month, but most of the cars I am interested in are in California. My question is, is this simple? i.e. Can I just go there find a car that I want, insure it and drive it back to Nevada to register at the local DMV. I know that if I was buying off a dealer I would have to pay sales tax unless the car was transported out of state. But when you buy from a private seller this is not applicable (i think), but do they remove the plates as they do in nevada. I am totally confused by this and any info would be a great help. Thank you in advance.

Rick

[jeff m]

Lic plates or tags as they are commonly called here do not stay with the car as in UK.
I understand the correct way is for seller and buyer to both go to the motor vehicle office. He hands in the old tags, you register the car in your name and get new tags.
I don't know anyone that has actually done that!

The seller may be reluctant to "lend" you his tags as he will get his lic suspended for not handing in a set of plates (should you not mail them back to him)

Easiest way is to register the car in California and pay CA sales tax and get CA tags, drive to Nevada then do a Change of Address, get Nevada tags. No further Sales tax is due.

Edit to add.
Seller will usually get you to a motor vehicle office on his tags if he is a decent type.

Edited by jeff m on Monday 20th August 06:23

[taimar78]

Four of my last five TVRs were purchased out of state and I had no problem whatsoever bringing them into my state (Virginia) or registering/Titling them at the Division of Motor Vehicles. As long as the title is in line, it should be easy. Of course, I understand every state may be just a bit different with California probably having the worst reputation for giving people a hard time(considering some of the stories I've heard). I've bought one TVR in New York, two in Michigan, and one in Georgia and had no problems with any of them.

[RickW]

Thanks Gents,

I'm pleased you think it would be no trouble at all. I suppose i'm just a bit worried as I have never bought a car over there and no not know exactly what paperwork you are supposed to get etc, etc. So, to sum it, when I have found the car I want I go to the DMV and they will issue temp tags and then just drive home and register properly in home state. Am I correct in thinking that you do not pay sales tax when buying privately? Thanks once again.

Rick

[jeff m]

Private sale

Sales tax is payable when registering.
You need the title signed by prev owner, proof of insurance, valid driving lic and a check (cheque) for the sales tax. Oh and the mileage.
It takes about 30 minutes in New Jersey.
You will probably need to get the car inspected if Nevada does not accept CA inspections.
I bought a new car from a dealer in Ohio delivered in Texas for use in New Jersey and I had to get a New Jersey inspection. Every State is slightly different.

You do not however need the car.

Dealer Sale

If you have a "trade in" you will pay sales tax on the difference in price of the two cars.
The sales tax will be collected by the dealer and he will issue a 30 day tag.
He will also get your tags for you, usually within 30 days.

Although I do not recomend this, many people just stick on tags from another car to drive a "new purchase" home. I wouldn't do it myself.

I've bought two cars privately, one the prev owner drove it to my house and I drove him home in my daily driver. The other I had transported.

[LoudPedal]

In some states, when transferring the car in from another state the car is required, as the vin must be verified by the DMV clerk. (New Mexico, to name one.)