New Car Buyer's Guide

At a glance

What matters first

Buying a new car from a dealer involves paperwork that affects your title, registration, taxes, and financing. Dealers often handle much of the titling and registration on your behalf, but you should still understand each document you sign and what it commits you to. Reviewing the purchase agreement, financing terms, and any add-ons before delivery helps you avoid surprises. Specific taxes, fees, and registration timing vary by state, so confirm the details with the dealer and your motor vehicle agency.

Checklist

What to have ready

• The purchase agreement and itemized breakdown of price, taxes, and fees
• Financing or lease documents, including the interest rate and total cost
• Proof of insurance and your driver license for titling and delivery

Step by step

How the process usually goes

1. Review the purchase agreement line by line, checking the price, taxes, fees, and any added products or warranties.
2. Confirm financing terms, including the interest rate, term length, and total amount financed, before signing.
3. Verify that the dealer will handle titling and registration, arrange insurance, and confirm when your permanent documents will arrive.

Before You Take Delivery

Delivery day is the point of no return, so complete your review beforehand. Understand the total cost, the financing commitment, and which documents the dealer files for you. Clear answers now prevent disputes later.

• Confirm the out-the-door price with all taxes and fees itemized
• Understand financing rate, term, and total repayment
• Verify insurance is active before driving off the lot
• Know when permanent title, registration, and plates will arrive

FAQ

Common questions