Out of State Buyers
Out-of-State Buyer Common Questions
IMPORTANT:
Customers cannot take possession of the vehicle until:
- Payment is receipted in full or the loan is funded
- Proper proof of residency documents are provided
- All legal documents are signed
Can I buy a vehicle from Gamblin Motors and register it in my home state?
Yes! As an out-of-state buyer, you can purchase a vehicle from Gamblin Motors and register it in your home state. This process allows you to avoid paying Washington state sales tax if you meet certain requirements.
To qualify for sales tax exemption, you must:
- Provide valid proof of out-of-state residency
- Sign a witnessed declaration stating your purchase meets exemption requirements
- Take delivery of the vehicle outside of Washington or obtain proper trip permits
How do taxes and registration work for out-of-state purchases?
When you purchase a vehicle from Gamblin Motors as an out-of-state resident:
- You will not pay Washington state sales tax
- You will pay sales tax in your home state at your local rate
- You will register the vehicle in your home state, not in Washington
- You may need to visit your local DMV upon returning home to complete registration
- If financing, taxes and registration fees for your home state will be included in your loan
What if I maintain residences in multiple states including Washington?
If you maintain residences in multiple states including Washington, you do not qualify for the nonresident sales tax exemption. The vehicle would need to be registered in Washington and Washington sales tax would apply.
Additionally, if you plan to use the vehicle in Washington for more than three months, you must pay Washington sales tax regardless of your residency status.
Proof of Residency Requirements
Required Primary Document
- Valid out-of-state driver's license or other official picture identification issued by a jurisdiction other than Washington state
Secondary Document (One Required)
- Current residential rental agreement
- Property tax statement from current or previous year
- Utility bill dated within previous two months
- State income tax return from previous year
- Voter registration card
- Current credit report
- Bank statement issued within previous two months
- Government check issued within previous two months
- Pay check issued within previous two months
- Mortgage documents of current residence
- Current vehicle insurance card
- Letter from postmaster within previous two months
- Other government document issued within previous two months
Official Resource:
WA Department of Revenue: Nonresident Vehicle PurchasesImportant Notes:
- All documents must show your out-of-state address
- You must sign a witnessed declaration stating your purchase meets exemption requirements
- If you maintain residences in multiple states including Washington, you do not qualify for tax exemption
- If you plan to use the vehicle in Washington for more than three months, you must pay Washington sales tax
Vehicle Delivery Options
IMPORTANT:
Customers cannot take possession of the vehicle until:
- Payment is receipted in full or the loan is funded
- Proper proof of residency documents are provided
- All legal documents are signed
Upon arriving in your home state, you may need to visit your local DMV to obtain a temporary permit while your vehicle is being registered. This temporary permit is not included in the taxes and fees if you are financing.
Understanding Permits:
Washington Trip Permits: Issued by Gamblin Motors at time of purchase. These allow you to legally drive your new vehicle from Washington to your home state. Valid for 3 days each.
Home State Temporary Permits: Gamblin Motors CANNOT provide these. You must purchase these in your home state. Please call your local DMV for details. These permits allow you to legally drive your vehicle in your home state while waiting for permanent registration and plates.
Option 1: Trip Permits
- Up to three 3-day trip permits available from Gamblin Motors
- Cost: $33 each permit
- Valid for 3 consecutive days from first use
- Must be completed, signed, and dated before driving
- Any alteration invalidates the permit
- Best for customers who live relatively close to Washington
- Limited to 3 permits per vehicle in any 30-day period
- Purpose: To legally transport vehicle from WA to home state
Option 2: Professional Shipping
- Vehicle transported by professional auto shipping service
- Cost varies by distance and service level
- Required: Bill of lading must be provided to Washington state
- Gamblin Motors can assist with shipping arrangements
- Vehicles typically covered by carrier's insurance during transport
- Best for long-distance buyers
- Delivery time typically 1-2 weeks depending on distance
- Note: No trip permits needed with this option
ALASKA Customers:
Gamblin Motors can deliver your vehicle to the barge for transport to Alaska. Documentation of this delivery will be provided.
Option 3: Pre-Registration Method
- Register vehicle in your home state before extended use in WA
- Obtain physical license plates from your home state
- Required: Photo of vehicle with physical plates attached
- Photo serves as proof of proper registration and delivery
- Best for customers planning extended stays in Washington
- Only available for states without inspection requirements
- This is the least common method for out-of-state buyers
INSPECTION State Inspection Requirements:
Some states require smog checks or other inspections before registration can be completed. If your state has these requirements, you must use Option 1 or 2 instead.
License and Tax Information
IMPORTANT:
Customers cannot take possession of the vehicle until payment is receipted in full or the loan is funded. No exceptions.
Financing Your Purchase
- Taxes and Licensing INCLUDED in Loan: All taxes, licensing, and registration fees are calculated by a third party and included in your loan amount to insure it is registered for the lien holder
- No Separate Payment Needed: You do not need to pay these fees separately to your home state
- Documentation: All necessary paperwork will be prepared for your home state's requirements
- Lender Requirements: Your lender may have specific requirements for out-of-state purchases
- Title Processing: Lien information will be properly recorded on the title
Cash Purchase
- Separate Payment Required: You'll pay taxes and license fees directly to your home state
- Your Responsibility: You'll handle the registration process yourself
- Documentation Provided: Gamblin Motors will provide all necessary sales documentation
- Title Transfer: You'll receive a properly signed title or MSO (for new vehicles)
- Bill of Sale: Includes all information needed for your home state DMV
- Your Responsibility: Obtaining any temporary permits needed in your home state