Documents To Buy A Car Apr 2026

Proves your identity and legal right to drive.

Recent pay stubs or bank statements if you are applying for a loan at the dealership.

The title and current registration of your old car if you are trading it in. Documents You Will Sign and Receive documents to buy a car

To buy a car, the main "long paper" or contract you sign is called the or the Retail Installment Sales Contract (if you are financing).

Depending on your region, people also use "long paper" to describe the official vehicle ownership document, such as a (US) or a V5C Logbook (UK). Proves your identity and legal right to drive

Required by law before you can drive the vehicle off the lot.

What paperwork do I need to buy a car in the UK? (2026 update) Documents You Will Sign and Receive To buy

The complete list of documents you need to bring and expect to receive during a car purchase is detailed below. Documents You Must Bring