Sep 11, 2023

Buying a new car is so much fun!  We love it and we want you to love it, too.  Yes, you will have documents to read and sign.  Paperwork is essential and serves to protect you as a consumer and ensures transparency throughout the process.  But it doesn’t have to put a frown on your face.  With a bit of prep time before you come in to buy and help from our awesome staff, we can turn that frown upside down!

Documentation Needed When Buying a Vehicle

You have picked your car, given it a test run and now you are ready to sign on the dotted line.  Here’s a helpful list of what you may need to have available when purchasing a vehicle.  Our expert staff will be able to tell you what documents you will need for your specific situation.

Identification: A valid driver’s license or government-issued identification, such as a passport.  (Keep in mind that you will be required to have a driver’s license in order to test drive a vehicle and to finance a vehicle.)

Proof of Insurance: Bring proof of your current vehicle insurance. 

Financing Documents: If you are planning to finance, bring financial paperwork and pre-approval documents, if required by the lender.  An example is a most recent pay stub.

Title and Registration: If you are trading in a vehicle, bring the title and registration documents.

There is an additional item required if you are buying a vehicle from out-of-state:

Identification: A second piece of identification is needed to show residency in another state.  The allowed forms of identification include:

  • Hunting/fishing license
  • Voter’s registration card
  • Utility bill
  • Property tax statement
  • Current residential rental agreement
  • Mortgage statement

What Can I Do Before Arriving at the Dealership?

We have streamlined a large amount of the buying process on our website.  You can do some of the steps before you arrive and help speed up the process.

Get preapproved: If you will be financing your purchase, you can get preapproved online.  We have an easy, online application form.  There is no need for personal information such as your social security number or date of birth.  It’s quick and it doesn’t affect your credit score! 

Value your trade: Are you trading in a vehicle?  We can provide an estimate without seeing your car with our convenient trade-in tool.  To get a more concise and accurate amount, bring your vehicle in for a free appraisal.

A Helpful Tip from Wendle Ford

Make sure your identification documents are current and up-to-date.  Double check that your driver’s license has not expired.  The same goes for your insurance documents.

Wendle Ford Finance Team is Here to Help

Please feel free to ask your sales representative all about the buying process.  They can inform you what is needed to get you in and out promptly and on the road in your brand new car.  Creating a memorable experience is paramount and we want to deliver the best service for you.

As Kevin Parker, one of our knowledgeable and helpful Business Managers will tell you: with the right amount of preparation, a little effort prior to your dealership visit and the expertise of our staff, we can make quick work of the paperwork and make the process fun.  That says it all.  Our team is here to make the buying experience a happy and exciting one.  We revel in the enjoyment you get after signing on the dotted line and we put the keys in your hand.  Take that smile and your new car home!