The car-buying process has changed dramatically in the past few years. You can shop online from the comfort of your home to browse thousands of vehicles in dealerships all across the country. If you find one you like, it’s relatively easy to get it shipped to your doorstep.
How to get a car delivered from another state is much easier than it may seem. Some dealerships have car-hauler contracts that facilitate the shipment of vehicles to customers in other states, though this can vary from state to state.
However, dealerships may have their own policies for shipping out of state due to legal, logistical, or cost considerations, including differences in sales tax between states.
If you’re interested in purchasing a car from out of state and wondering about dealership shipping options, then this is your guide. Here’s essential info on shipping policies, logistics, costs, legal considerations, and tips to prepare for the process.
Understanding How to Ship Car from Dealership Policies
Dealerships can ship cars to other states, but the process varies widely from dealership to dealership. Some dealerships may offer free or discounted shipping as a promotional incentive, others may charge a fee, and some may have specific restrictions on where they’ll ship vehicles.
Since shipping vehicles across state lines involves local considerations, it’s not guaranteed that every dealership will do it. When you think, “do dealerships ship cars?” you have to consider what legal protocols they’ll follow, if they coordinate shipping with a third-party auto transport company, and how to choose a suitable delivery location.
If you’re shopping for a vehicle at a dealership in another state and plan to have it shipped, it’s best to speak with the dealership directly about its shipping policies. If they don’t offer shipping or the terms aren’t agreeable, you may want to be prepared to seek other shipping options.
Costs Associated with Shipping a Car Across State Lines
Can dealers ship cars across state lines has additional costs that you may not be expecting, including:
Transportation fees: The highest cost is the transportation fee. It can vary based on the distance your car travels, the type of car, and the auto transport company’s rates.
Taxes: The cost of sales tax in different states varies widely, but you’ll need to pay the taxes unless you live in a state like AK, DE, MT, NH, or OR, where there isn’t any sales tax. If your dealership handles shipping and out-of-state purchases, it should help you coordinate your taxes. The buyer typically pays sales tax based on where the car will be registered.
Additional services: You may have to pay additional fees for expedited shipping, expanded insurance coverage, enclosed delivery, or door-to-door delivery. Make sure you’re prepared for the total cost upfront.
How to Get a Good Deal
Buying a car out of state and having it shipped via a reputable transporter like Nexus Auto Transport requires planning and budgeting. It’s a worthwhile investment because it helps keep the car you just bought safe. Considering the average car lasts only 12 to 15 years, you want to avoid adding extra mileage by driving it yourself.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate when buying a car from a dealership, and include the shipping costs in your negotiation. Your dealership may be willing to assist with some of the shipping costs to close the deal.
It also helps to get multiple quotes from auto transport companies to compare prices and services. For example, the nationwide coordinated delivery support from Nexus Auto Transport is easier to judge for yourself when you use our car shipping cost calculator to budget ahead of any major dealership purchase.
If you can, be flexible with your delivery timeframe. Shipping costs are higher during peak seasons. If you’re more flexible, you could get a better shipping rate. You might also want to ask for any possible discounts. Some dealerships offer discounts to certain groups, such as military veterans, seniors, or students. It’s always worth asking just in case.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
How to get a car delivered from another state to you involves a few more legal and regulatory steps than buying a car near your home. Here are some things to consider:
Registration: You will need to register your car in your state of residence, which includes submitting the title, proof of insurance, and any other forms required by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some states may require an inspection or emissions test.
Title transfer: The dealership or seller should provide you with a signed title to transfer the car to your name. This process varies by state but typically includes submitting the signed title to the DMV with any required fees and forms.
Insurance: You will need insurance coverage for the car before you register it. Some insurance companies offer temporary coverage for newly purchased vehicles until a permanent policy is issued.
Emissions standards: Some states have strict emissions standards, so it’s important to ensure that the car you’re buying meets the emissions requirements of your home state. You may need to get emissions testing before you can register your car.
Sales tax: As mentioned, you may need to pay sales tax on the car based on the state where you registered it, not where you bought it. Some states will allow credits for sales tax that you paid in another state, so check the regulations in both your home state and the purchasing state. The dealership should be able to assist with this step.
You can trim down how much paperwork you’ll need with a little effort if you ship car from dealership. Research state regulations to familiarize yourself with the requirements of both the state you’re purchasing the car in and the state where you plan to register it. Start the registration process as soon as possible to avoid delays. You should have all the necessary documents and information, and prepare for any fees you will need to pay.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, consult a professional for guidance. Dealerships can often guide you through the process. Don’t skip over the legal and regulatory considerations for buying and shipping a car from another state. Doing your homework ensures a smooth and compliant process.
Out-of-State Dealership Car Delivery: Process & Timeline
Stage | What Happens | Who Handles It | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Purchase Confirmation | Buyer completes financing, payment, and purchase paperwork | Buyer & Dealership | Same day to 3 days |
Vehicle Ready for Pickup | Vehicle is inspected, cleaned, and all sale documents are finalized. Dealer prepares for transport release | Dealership | 1–5 days after purchase |
Carrier Assignment | Shipping provider locates and assigns a qualified carrier | Auto Transport Company | 1–7 days (often 1–3 days on popular routes) |
Vehicle Pickup | Carrier arrives at dealership, completes inspection, signs the Bill of Lading, and loads the vehicle | Carrier & Dealership | Usually 1 day |
Transit | Vehicle travels from the dealership to the delivery destination | Carrier | 1–10 days |
Delivery | Vehicle is unloaded, final inspection is completed, and delivery paperwork is signed by the recipient | Carrier & Buyer | Same day as arrival |
Preparing for Your Vehicle’s Arrival
Though the process of purchasing and shipping your car can be complex, the work isn’t over until you complete the delivery process. You’ll want to verify your car's insurance before it arrives by contacting your provider to update the policy.
When you think about “do dealerships ship cars,” be sure to include the pre- and post-delivery inspections. Document everything about the car's interior and exterior, noting any damage so you can compare the reports when the vehicle finally arrives.
You also want to ensure you can stay in touch with the car shipper or dealership to confirm the delivery timeline and any instructions for receiving your vehicle, especially if you’re getting it delivered directly to your home. Provide clear contact information and ensure you’re available to answer and coordinate delivery.
If you have payments or fees outstanding, make sure to settle them before you take possession of the car. All that’s left is to register and transfer your car, which you can do at your local DMV/BMV.
Expand Your Car Buying Options with Out-of-State Shipping
Online buying and dealer shipping can give you more options to buy the exact car you want and have it shipped. This process is a little more complex than buying a car in the next town over, but you can access more inventory and potentially get a better deal.
If you’re buying a car out of state and having it shipped, Nexus Auto Transport can help. Contact us for more information on out-of-state auto shipping and get a quote!
FAQs
Do dealerships deliver cars out of state to the buyer?
Yes, dealerships may ship a car to another dealership or to a private individual using an auto transport company. However, not all dealerships are willing to ship to another dealership in a different state or to certain rural areas, so be sure to check with them in advance.
How is the car handed off to the shipping carrier after purchase?
The dealer will typically manage this process if using one of their preferred providers. Otherwise, you’ll have to work with the auto transport you want to coordinate pickup and delivery.
How soon should I schedule shipping after buying a car from another state?
It’s always best to schedule your ship car from dealership experience as early as possible. Typically, 2 to 3 weeks ahead of a purchase is a good range for getting a fair price and plenty of route or delivery option selection.
How long does it take to receive a car shipped from an out-of-state dealership?
It depends on your pickup and delivery locations, the time of year, the nature of the route, and driver availability. Something under 300 miles might take 1 to 3 days, whereas a cross-country delivery could be 6 to 8 days.
Can a shipping carrier pick up the car directly from the dealership?
Yes, most dealers allow third-party shipping providers to pull right up to the lot, load the car, transfer responsibility via a Bill of Lading, and then deliver it.
What should I confirm with the dealership before shipping the car?
Always ensure there has been a pre-shipping inspection, you have the title “on its way” or digitally submitted, and that there is a Bill of Lading to confirm that information for the vehicle’s transport.
