What Documents Do You Need to Bring to the Dealership?

Purchasing a new or used vehicle is exciting, but if it’s your first time going through it alone, you may feel overwhelmed. All car dealerships will require you to bring certain documents with you in order to move through the car-buying process. Having the proper documentation on hand will save you time and energy, making the process move a lot faster. Plus, if you plan on working with the dealership to secure financing, knowing what to bring can help you get a better financing package too. Let’s go over the basic documents you should bring when purchasing a vehicle from the dealership.

Driver’s License

Before a dealership can sell you a vehicle, they need proof that you are legally allowed to drive it. Bringing your driver’s license will satisfy this requirement. Keep in mind that your license should be valid and not expired. Bringing a license can also satisfy the requirement of needing additional documents to prove who you are.

Proof of Insurance

Most states have laws on the book that require drivers to have auto insurance in order to operate a vehicle. When purchasing from a car dealer, the dealership will want to see your proof of insurance. Cut down on wasted time by contacting your auto insurance company beforehand to add the new vehicle to your policy. Once you’re at the dealership finalizing the purchase, you can give your insurance company your vehicle identification number (VIN) to get your new car added to your coverage. When you come to the dealership, bring a copy of your insurance policy to help move the process along.

Payment

Payment for a new or used vehicle is due on the date of the purchase. Even if you enter a financing agreement with the car dealer, your first payment will still be due the day you drive the vehicle off the lot. Most people will purchase a vehicle using an auto loan, whether it’s through the dealership or through a different financing institution. If your auto loan is through the car dealership, you’ll need to know your timetable of payment, applicable fines and fees, and other important information regarding the loan. If you’ve received a loan from an outside financing source like a bank, they’ll provide you with the loan, which you’ll then provide to the dealership, typically in the form of a cashier’s check.

Low Credit Score? Bring These Documents

If you apply for financing at the dealership and know that you have a low credit score, this does not automatically disqualify you from securing a loan. One of the perks of working with a car dealer is that you’ll have a lot more flexibility than a traditional lender. A car dealer will rely on your credit report to gain insight into your creditworthiness. However, you can help boost your ability to get a competitive financing package by bringing along documents that show a consistent payment history. This can include invoices for your monthly rent, utilities, cell phone bills, and other payments that prove you are able to make your payments each month. Most car dealerships will be willing to work with you for financing approval.

Know Before You Go

All car dealerships have different operating procedures and may require you to bring along additional documentation. Save yourself time, energy, and hassle by calling the car dealer you plan to work with beforehand. Ask about additional important documentation you should bring along, and other things to expect during the car-buying process with them.