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Related Questions from DMV Answers

• How do I go about buying a car out of state?

  • Buying and Selling > Buying a New or Used Car

  Buying a car out of state is usually a bit more difficult than buying it in state. This is because state smog and vehicle safety requirements may vary. For example, California has much more stringent smog requirements than other states. Cars brought into California must have a “California Certified” label under the hood, near the engine. Some states, like Ohio, require that the car be inspected by their own state inspectors for safety. Documentation, such as a notarized Bill of Sale, Federal Odometer Statement, and Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, or the seller’s registration may also be..

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• If I buy an out of state car which state's sales tax is applicable?

  • Buying and Selling > Buying a New or Used Car > Vehicle Tax

  You will pay the sales tax based on wherever the car was bought. So, for example, if you live in Ohio but buy your car in Pennsylvania, you will pay the Pennsylvania sales tax rate. This applies to both new car and used car purchases. However, here's where it gets tricky. Depending on where you live, your state's motor vehicle agency may require you to provide a receipt showing the sales tax you paid. If it's less than what you would have paid in your home state, you may have to pay the difference in order to get your license plates or title your car. Keep in mind that sales tax can differ by state, county, and city. You should always calculate the sales tax on your car purchase as it can make a significant difference. If you're unsure about the prevailing tax rates, call the dealer and..

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• Are there any used car laws that protect a buyer if the car turns out to be a lemon?

  • Laws and Legal Info

  Yes, some states extend their "Lemon Law" protection to new owners of used cars. Additionally, you may be protected if the car is still fairly new with low mileage; that way, it may still be covered under your state's Lemon Law for new cars (even though you bought it as a used vehicle). However, keep in mind that used car laws can be complex, and you will need to follow strict guidelines. For instance, just because you're unhappy with a car's performance doesn't necessarily qualify you for Lemon Law protection. There will have to be a pattern of repeat repair attempts either on the same problem, or different problems but within a limited amount of time. Your state's attorney general's site is often a good source for this information. Sometimes, you can learn about used car Lemon Laws on..

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• How can I find out if a used car is stolen before I buy it?

  • Reports and Records > Vehicle Records

  Verify the VIN and License Plate To find out if a used car is stolen before you buy it, you can verify the license plate and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with law enforcement and the DMV, and you can review a vehicle history report to make sure the VIN matches the vehicle. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a used car only to find out later that the car was stolen. Not only will you have to return the car to its rightful owner, you may face criminal prosecution for purchasing stolen goods. In addition, you will have lost the money you paid for the car, or if you took out a car loan, you’ll still be responsible for paying it off. What to Do Protect yourself and make sure a used car isn’t stolen before you buy it: Write down the license plate number and..

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• Do I need to see service records if I'm buying a used car?

  • Reports and Records > Vehicle Records

  What Service Records Show You don’t absolutely need to see service records if you’re buying a used car. However, the more information you can obtain about the history of used car before you spend a lot of money, the better. Service records tell you a lot about a used car. Not only do they tip you off to the mechanical problems a used car has experienced over the years, they indicate how well the seller has maintained the car. When service records show repeated repairs of the same or multiple parts, that’s a red flag. Plus, a poorly maintained car with few regular maintenance records, such as tune-ups and oil changes, often ends up with major mechanical problems as the car ages. The last thing you want to happen is to sink a lot of money into a used car, only to spend a..

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