How to Buy a Car in Another State

It’s easy to find a great deal on a car you love before realizing the dealership is located out of state. If you’re wondering if you can buy a car out of state, you can, and it’s actually pretty straightforward! The Tom Gill Advantage frequently brings in drivers from Cincinnati, OH, further into Ohio, and beyond, and we’re here to help you navigate what you’ll need to do when you bring your car back to your home state.

The Purchase Process from Out of State

Getting to Tom Gill Chevrolet from Cincinnati, OH only requires about a 20-minute drive down I-71 South; we might be closer to your home than your job is. That means it’s convenient for you to shop for a car, take a test drive, or have routine maintenance done.

If you visit us from Ohio, you can expect the actual purchase process to be no different than if you were to buy a car in your home state. What you really need to know is the steps that come after you buy a car out of state: getting it registered and titled.

What to Do After Buying a Car in Another State

When buying a car out of state at Tom Gill Chevrolet, it’s important that you hold onto your bill of sale as it contains important information like the purchase price you paid. You will leave the dealership with temporary license plates so you can legally drive home. Within 30 days of your purchase, you’ll receive your new vehicle’s title in the mail.

If you buy a car from Tom Gill Chevrolet in Kentucky and need to register it in Ohio, here are the steps you need to take:

1. Locate your local Ohio BMV through the BMV locator.
2. Along with your bill of sale, bring the vehicle title, your Ohio driver’s license, and proof of auto insurance with you to the BMV.
3. Inform the BMV clerk that you’re there to register and title your new car at your Ohio address after buying it out of state.
4. The BMV clerk will most likely return your bill of sale to you, but you can expect them to keep the car’s Kentucky title. Note that you will need to pay any appropriate difference in sales tax between the two states.
5. Check your mail daily to be sure you don’t miss it when the new Ohio title in your name arrives at your address.

Now, if you’ve bought a car once or twice before, you may be wondering how you’re going to have the vehicle title if you took out a loan. Ohio drivers complete a transfer request form and send it to their lienholder — this form can be obtained from the County Clerk of Courts Title Office. If you’re coming from a different state, reach out to your Department of Motor Vehicles.

Taxes and Fees Associated with Buying a Car in Another State

Your local sales tax, the difference between Kentucky and Ohio’s sales tax, and any required processing fees should be the only additional payments you need to make aside from the purchase price of your new vehicle. This is why when you spot a great deal on a car you love that is for sale across state lines, you should feel confident about pursuing it!

Like a Deal You’ve Seen? Fly in and We’ll Pick You Up

Tom Gill Chevrolet is conveniently located near the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, and you wouldn’t be the first person to fly to us to buy a car. If you want to join the many satisfied Tom Gill Chevy drivers and it’s more convenient for you to fly in, we’ll pick you up at the airport. Just get started with your finance application, let us know your flight plans, and we’ll coordinate the rest.

 

Visit Tom Gill Chevrolet Today!

Located near Covington and Independence in Kentucky, Tom Gill Chevrolet offers plenty of great perks for Ohio shoppers thinking about making the short drive to our dealership. We’ve always got a rotating selection of new vehicle specials for you to browse, and your new or used purchase from us will automatically enroll you in our exclusive Tom Gill Advantage program! With it, you can look forward to a lifetime of free oil changes, unlimited car washes, and so much more. Contact us today for more information on how to trade in a financed car, how to trade in a vehicle, and more!