Purchasing a new car is an exciting endeavor, but it’s also one that comes with a lot of paperwork. If you’d like to get your new car as soon as possible, it’s imperative that you bring all the documentation that you’ll need for your purchase. Doing so will expedite the process and have you on the road more quickly.
Your Driver’s License
This might seem like a given, but you’d be surprised how many people get so excited about their new purchase that they forget their wallet and therefore their driver’s license at home. A company cannot give you a new Audi for sale until it has proof that you can legally drive it off the lot.
It’s also a good idea to double-check that your license and still valid and hasn’t expired. Typically, you need to renew your license every four years on your birthday.
Proof of Residency
If your driver’s license has your current address on it, that is likely enough for the car dealership to use for proof of residency. However, if your address doesn’t match your license, you’ll need to provide additional documentation to prove where you live to lenders. This could be the deed to your home, a lease, a utility bill, or the registration for your current vehicle.
If you aren’t sure what to use, don’t be afraid to contact the lender you plan to use or the dealership you plan to buy from for guidance.
Proof of Your Auto Insurance
Most states require you to have a minimum insurance policy. Before a dealership will let you drive your new car off the lot, you’ll need to provide proof that you carry that minimum coverage. To expedite the process, you can contact your insurance company before you purchase the car to find out what you need to do to add the new car to your policy.
Typically, when you’re ready to purchase the car, you’ll simply need to call your insurance provider and give it the vehicle identification number for the new car to add it to your policy. Only then will you be able to take your new vehicle home.
Proof of Your Credit Score and Income
If you plan to get financing through the dealership, you’ll need to provide proof of your credit score as well as the income that you earn. You can pull your credit score for free from one of the three major bureaus. Keep in mind that the lower it is, the more likely you are to pay high interest rates, so consider paying down any debts, if necessary, before purchasing your new car.
The dealership will also likely want to see that you make the income you claim you do, so bring some of your most recent pay stubs to prove your income.
Prepare to Buy Your New Car!
Buying a new car is a process that you should take your time with, but that doesn’t mean that it needs to be unnecessarily slow. By gathering all of the proper documentation beforehand and bringing it with you to the dealership, you are more likely to get on the road with your new car on the same day.
