Out of State Purchase

[tkosier]

Let's say I have finally found the car of my dreams several states away from where I live. I arrange for a PPI and things look good. I come to price agreement with the owner and, finally, "pull the trigger". I fly out to see the car, and assuming everything is in order, complete the purchase. I then want to drive the car home.
Assuming I am purchasing from a private individual (not a dealer), how do I get a temporary registration/tag so I can make it to my home state where I will register and license the car?

[nota]

some states issue a temp transit tag
or you can hope the owner will let you keep the current tag
to get home and mail it back
some other states the tag goes with the car

or you can drive home without a tag and hope
or stick a old tag on the car for the trip [illegal]
or ship or tow the car

insurance can be tranfered by a phone call

[real550A]

Good advice above. Check with the DMV of the state where you purchase the car. Many have a 8-21 day temp. sticker for just this
purpose.

[tonythetarga]

Usually one caveat for the in-transit permit is that the car has to have current tags before they issue the permit. You will then need to show proof of insurance for the vehicle which your carrier can give you when you provide them with the VIN.
Make sure your AAA is up to date if this is a long haul. I don't know why, but almost every time you buy a "new to you" car, something goes wrong in the first week!

[jhubs]

I had this experience in Nov. of 2006. I purchased a car via xAutoTrader.comx. The seller went to the DMV in Virginia and found that his plates are good for 30 days after the car is sold and then they automatically expire. All I had to have with me on the drive back to Colorado was the Bill of Sale that was Notarized and signed by the Seller and it indicated that the car was sold to me. No speeding tickets or accidents on the way home really make this process very simple.
The Title was mailed to me a few days later by the seller as he had a loan that needed to be paid off with some of the money that I gave him for the purchase price.
When I got to Colorado, I had to have a VIN Verification form filled out by the local Porsche dealer-no charge- and the Bill of Sale, and the Title to get my temporary plates.
Each State is different and it should be the Seller's responsibility to give you the best, and most accurate, information as he lives in that State and should have no trouble finding out the information for you.
Jerry