How to Buy a Car Out of State

As someone who works in or around Washington, D.C., transportation to and from the city is a big deal. You’ll need to know how to buy an out-of-state car if you need a new vehicle for your daily commutes, weekly errands, and weekend getaways when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of DC life. We’ll discuss how to buy a car in Virginia when you live in DC, how to buy a car in Virginia when you live in Maryland, and how to buy a car in the USA when you’re attached to a diplomatic corps from a foreign country.

It’s all part of our commitment to giving you and your family the best possible vehicle. Keep reading our guide to buying a car out of state, brought to you by the team at MINI of Sterling, serving Loudon County. 

How to Buy a Car Out of State: General Tips

In general, follow these steps when purchasing a car out of state.

1. Apply for an auto loan to see if you qualify.
2. Use our payment calculator to determine if the vehicle fits your monthly budget.
3. Sign the loan paperwork.
4. Purchase auto insurance before you drive one off the lot.
5. Affix the temporary license plates to your vehicle.
6. Get the keys.
7. Drive to the appropriate DMV office to register your vehicle, including paying the correct sales tax.

Next, we’ll discuss buying a car in Virginia when you live in DC. The process is straightforward!

How to Buy a Car in Virginia When You Live in DC

When you purchase a new or used vehicle outside the DC Metro Area, you’ll pay the fees and sales tax from the state or area where you live. So, if you buy a car in Virginia, you must head to your nearest DC DMV office to get your permanent license plates. 

See the steps here to register the vehicle properly in DC:

1. Have a piece of mail with you to prove your residency in DC.
2. If you’re buying a used car, bring your inspection report. New vehicles from MINI of Sterling near Dulles Airport won’t need an inspection report because they’re brand-new.
3. Have proof of auto insurance from your insurance provider.
4. Hold the title of the vehicle you just purchased. If you don’t have the title because you’re about to get one at the DMV, a manufacturer’s certificate of origin or bill of sale will work for this documentation.
5. Pay the title and registration fee of $72 for a vehicle weighing less than 3,500 pounds.
6. Pay the excise tax (sales tax) based on the purchase price of your vehicle. Tax rates are based on the fuel efficiency. For cars that get 20 mpg or less in the city and weigh less than 3,500 pounds, your excise tax rate is 8.1%. For vehicles with 40 mpg city or greater, the excise tax is just 1.0%.
7. Drive away with your new license plates!

Next, we’ll talk about how to buy a car in Virginia when you live in Maryland.

How to Buy a Car in Virginia When You Live in Maryland

The steps for registering a car in Maryland after buying one in Virginia are similar to the process in DC. Find the closest DMV office to your home

1. Have a current Maryland driver’s license or ID.
2. Bring your inspection report if you’re buying a used car. New vehicles don’t need an inspection report.
3. Have proof of auto insurance from your insurance provider.
4. Bring the manufacturer’s certificate of origin or bill of sale.
5. Pay the title and registration fee of $100.
6. Pay the excise tax (sales tax) based on the purchase price of your vehicle, which is 6% in Maryland.
7. Drive home with your new license plates!

Finally, we’ll examine how to buy a car in the USA if you’re a foreign national living in the area.

How to Buy a Car in the USA

Purchasing a car in the USA is almost the same as if you were a citizen. You’ll need to show you can make payments and purchase insurance to cover the finance liability of the new or used vehicle. 

You’ll also need a copy of your work visa for the United States, an employment letter that confirms your salary and benefits, and the appropriate credit application. Like any other auto loan application, you must prove where you live. You'll need one if you don’t have a driver’s license yet.

Other than that, the process of how to buy a car in the USA is the same as anyone else’s. Know that registering your vehicle depends on the state where you live rather than through the federal government.

Visit MINI of Sterling to Purchase Your Next Car

Ready to take the following steps? Contact us to schedule a test drive with our team. Review our Sterling MINI specials to see how much money you could save with your purchase.